Federal authorities are investigating a nationwide series of letters containing unidentified white powder that were mailed to congressional offices and state election offices. The disturbing mailings triggered evacuations and hazardous materials protocols as law enforcement worked to intercept additional pieces.

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police coordinated their responses as the volume of suspicious mail grew over several days. Many letters were intercepted before delivery, while others were opened at congressional district offices or state facilities.

Preliminary testing in multiple instances indicated that the powder was not hazardous. No injuries have been confirmed, but officials continued treating the letters as potentially dangerous while the investigation proceeded.

The recipients included lawmakers from both political parties. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Senator Susan Collins of Maine, and Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut were among those who received letters.

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Additional mailings reached state election offices in Louisiana, Ohio, Delaware, and Oklahoma. The widening list of recipients kept federal and local authorities occupied as more suspicious envelopes surfaced.

Notices from the Senate Sergeant at Arms described “multiple letters containing suspicious substances that were mailed to various addresses nationwide, including multiple Congressional offices,” while warning staff to handle suspicious items as potentially hazardous. Law enforcement also worked to intercept pieces that remained in transit.

Many of the envelopes listed 75 Maiden Lane in New York City as the return address. That location was previously associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, although DSA representatives said the organization had not occupied Suite 505 since 2013 and left the building entirely in January.

One letter arrived at the Grand Rapids district office of Rep. Hillary Scholten, a Michigan Democrat representing the state’s Third Congressional District. Scholten said the letter claimed an affiliation with the DSA and contained a specific political threat.

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“Today, I received a threatening letter at my Grand Rapids, Michigan office that contained unidentified white powder. The letter, which claimed to be from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), made a direct and specific reference to an impending ‘civil war’ beginning after the election,” Scholten announced in an X post.

Scholten said the letter resembled mailings received by other congressional offices across the country. She also confirmed that the Grand Rapids Police Department and FBI responded immediately.

“The letter sent to my office is similar to those received at other congressional offices across the country. The DSA has not yet addressed the attacks, either to condemn them or to take or deny responsibility. The Grand Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded immediately,” she added.

The congresswoman then called on DSA leadership to condemn the threats, reject extremism, and deny responsibility if the organization was not involved. She argued that the group had a duty to respond even while authorities were still working to determine whether the letters were authentic.

“Even as law enforcement works to verify the authenticity of these letters sent to congressional offices, it is the responsibility of the DSA to condemn these threats done in its name—and to refute responsibility if there is none. Unfortunately, this is another instance where the DSA has excused or ignored extremism,” Scholten continued.

Scholten also denounced political intimidation, threats, terrorism, and violence as tactics used by extremists who cannot persuade others through the merits of their ideas. She said such conduct reflected weak minds and weak character.

“The DSA has allowed extremists in its movement who not only allow but justify violence as a viable means to achieve political ends.” Scholten added that extremism should be rejected regardless of its origin or political party.

Today, I received a threatening letter at my Grand Rapids, Michigan office that contained unidentified white powder. The letter, which claimed to be from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), made a direct and specific reference to an impending “civil war” beginning after the election. The letter sent to my office is similar to those received at other congressional offices across the country. The DSA has not yet addressed the attacks, either to condemn them or to take or deny responsibility. The Grand Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded immediately.

Threats and extremism are not signs of strength—they are signs of a weak mind and weak character. Political intimidation has no place in our democracy, and leaders must condemn it, not excuse it. I’ll keep standing up to bullies on the right and the left. — Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (@RepScholten) October 16, 2026

Following Scholten’s post, the DSA condemned the letters and denied any connection to them. The organization said it had not occupied the listed New York City address in more than a decade and expressed relief that nobody had been harmed.

“Needless to say, we are not involved with these letters, and we were glad to learn no one was harmed,” the DSA said. It also pledged cooperation with authorities investigating the mailings.

“We condemn all threats and violence, including when directed at political leaders, regardless of party or political views. We will cooperate with authorities to support their investigations in this incident, as appropriate.”

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