Two Democratic members of Congress say suspicious letters showed up at their offices this week, and federal authorities are trying to figure out who is behind what looks like a nationwide wave of mailings apparently containing white powder.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that a suspicious letter was delivered to her district office in Hunts Point, New York. The New York City Police Department, U.S. Capitol Police and FBI are investigating.
In a statement, Ocasio-Cortez framed the timing pointedly: "This string of suspicious mailings started two weeks before a consequential midterm election and is seemingly intended to intimidate public servants and sow further division."
She added: "Political violence has no place in our country."
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) also received what appeared to be a similar letter Tuesday, according to the Hill. Garcia said the letter was intercepted and safety precautions were taken, and that no one was harmed.
"We're thankful to the Long Beach Police and Fire Departments, and the Sheriff's Department for their swift response and continued support in keeping our community safe," Garcia said.
FBI Probes Nationwide Suspicious Mailings
The FBI said it is working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to investigate suspicious mailings reported across the country.
"Some of the letters contained an unknown substance," an FBI spokesperson told The Hill, adding that the agency was coordinating with law enforcement partners to address each incident.
The spokesperson said authorities were also working to identify the person or people responsible for sending the letters.
Suspicious Letters Target Congress
The Guardian reported Monday that more than three dozen members of Congress had received suspicious mail at their offices.
Meanwhile, law enforcement sources told ABC News that more than 100 letters apparently containing white powder were circulating through the U.S. mail system.
Democrats Prepare for Midterm Elections
On Monday, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump's approval rating falling to 31%, while Democrats led Republicans 47% to 35% ahead of the midterms.
Last week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats had trained more than 100 election observers across nine states.
Earlier this month, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Americans to prepare after the Trump administration declined to invite OSCE election observers.
