Mysterious name on suspicious package sent to election officials
FBI investigation spans incidents in nearly 20 states
DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) - If one person or one group is responsible for sending suspicious packages to elections officials in nearly 20 states this week, the FBI is not yet confirming. The packages have triggered state and federal investigations to find out who sent them and whether they are connected.
Iowa and Nebraska were among the states that received a package. A package intended for the Colorado secretary of state’s office included a return address of “U.S. Traitor Elimination Army.”
A spokeswoman for Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate declined to say whether the package that forced the evacuation of staff also included the same return address as Colorado’s.
Some states have reported that packages included a white powdery substance. There have been no reports of illness or injury from exposure.
These are other states reporting suspicious packages:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Washington
- Wyoming
An FBI spokesperson in Omaha would not offer specific questions about the investigation but released a statement:
“The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to election officials in several states. Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters. We are also working with our partners to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters. As this is an ongoing matter we will not be commenting further on the investigation, but the public can be assured safety is our top priority. We would also like to remind everyone to exercise care in handling mail, especially from unrecognized senders. If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately.”
The National Association of Secretaries of State condemned the threats in a statement:
“With less than 50 days until the November 5, 2024 general election, we are seeing a disturbing trend continue—the second assassination attempt of a presidential candidate, and threatening and intimidating actions towards election officials. We are thankful our colleagues and their staff members are safe. We are also extremely grateful for the work of law enforcement in expertly handling these incidents.
“Time and time again, NASS has condemned threats towards election officials and workers. We have continually spoken out against previous suspicious letters sent and the first assassination attempt of a former president and current presidential candidates. This must stop, period. Our democracy This must stop, period. Our democracy has no place for political violence, threats or intimidation of any kind.”
(Note: Reporting from the Associated Press is also included in this story.”)
About the author: Midwest native Dave Price is Gray Television’s Iowa Political Director for 10 stations that broadcast in the state and has been covering local, state and national politics from Iowa since 2001.
Dave produces and hosts “Inside Iowa Politics,” a weekly, in-depth show focused on interviews with top leaders on politics, issues, challenges and solutions that impact the state.
He has written two books about the Iowa Caucuses (“Caucus Chaos” and “Caucus Chaos Trump”). Email him at dave.price@gray.tv. Follow him on X (Twitter): @idaveprice Meta/Facebook: DavePriceNews Instagram: idaveprice and LinkedIn: Dave Price.
Dave welcomes your thoughts on what answers to seek from politicians and what issues challenge our communities.
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