Inspectors stopped a suspicious powder letter sent to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose in Columbus. The mailing was intercepted before delivery and triggered warnings to county election offices.
The envelope contained a powdery white substance, LaRose said Wednesday. U.S. Postal Service investigators halted the piece of mail.
LaRose said the letter was similar to mailings sent to election officials in multiple other states. The FBI is handling the investigation in Columbus.
LaRose said his office notified county boards of elections across the state to remain vigilant in the coming days. The election process in Ohio remains safe and secure, he said.
“Election officials should never have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties, and there is no place in a peaceful democracy for violence, threats or acts of intimidation,” LaRose said in a statement. “We have a duty to the citizens of Ohio to deliver secure and accessible elections, and these kinds of cowardly threats will not deter us from that mission.”
Security protocols and contingency plans are in place for every election, LaRose said.
Federal investigators examine intercepted mail to determine the contents and trace the origin. Columbus authorities coordinate with federal agencies on regional security matters.
The investigation into the intercepted letter remains ongoing in Columbus.
