Authorities Investigate Nationwide Election Mail Threats

Federal authorities are investigating a nationwide wave of suspicious letters and packages sent to state election offices and members of Congress, with reports in at least 15 states and some mail containing threatening messages or unidentified white powder. Incidents in Louisiana and Oklahoma prompted evacuations, while some mail was intercepted before delivery; initial testing in several locations, including Louisiana, Alabama and Wisconsin, found no dangerous substances. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working with state and local agencies to trace the mailings and identify those responsible as Election Day approaches. No injuries have been reported, and election officials say they will continue administering elections while exercising caution.