Election officials in six US states have received suspicious packages, prompting an investigation by the FBI and the Postal Inspection Service, international media reported, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Wednesday.
According to international media reports, the exact nature of the suspicious materials and the identity of the sender remain unclear at this stage. The states where polling officers have received these packages include Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Oklahoma.
The FBI revealed that the individuals sending these packages have described themselves as the "Army that will eradicate American rebels from existence." However, Nebraska polling officials have stated that the materials included in the letters do not appear to be harmful. The investigation into the origin and intent of these packages is ongoing.
As per the media reports, the FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service are investigating the origins of suspicious packages sent to election officials in over 16 states, with reports indicating some packages contained an unknown white powder. So far, there have been no injuries reported or confirmation that any of the materials were hazardous.
Recent packages were sent to election offices in states including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and Rhode Island. Mississippi authorities reported receiving a package on Monday, and the FBI intercepted a package in Connecticut. The packages, some labeled as from the "U.S. Traitor Elimination Army," have prompted evacuations in some states like Iowa, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, but initial tests suggest the powder is harmless.
This incident marks the second time in the past year that election officials across multiple states have received such threats, adding tension as early voting begins for key elections. The National Association of Secretaries of State condemned the intimidation of election workers, stating, "Our democracy has no place for political violence, threats, or intimidation of any kind." The investigation continues as the FBI works to identify the sender and determine the motive behind these packages.