Mailboxes in front of the US Post Office in West Hartford center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton / We-Ha.com
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said Tuesday that her office had been alerted to the possibility that suspicious envelopes containing an unidentified white powder might arrive. Over the course of the day it became clear that the letters had been sent to elections offices across the US – reportedly in at least 16 states including Connecticut.
She said an envelope destined for her office had been intercepted at a USPS Facility in West Hartford.
The original alert came from the Cybersecurity and Infrasctructure Security Agency (CISA), and that triggered preparations for the possible receipt of one of the envelopes, including training on the proper handling of hazardous materials and ensuring they had protective gear available.
But the Secretary’s office said it was then notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation that an envelope had been intercepted in West Hartford that matched the description of suspicious envelopes received by other offices around the US.
News reports indicated that at least some of the packages were signed from the “United States Traitor Elimination Army.”
A law enforcement source told ABC News that none of the packages were believed to be hazardous. The substance was determined to be flour in one instance. However, the scare prompted evacuations in some locations.
Election offices in New York, Tennessee, Wyoming, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Colorado reportedly received suspicious packages, and similar suspicious mail was addressed to offices in Connecticut, Arizona, Georgia, and Maryland. Investigators, however, intercepted them before they reached their destinations.
Thomas told several law enforcement agencies that she was grateful for their help.
“I want to thank USPIS, the FBI, CISA, and CTIC for their quick action and work to protect the people of Connecticut,” Thomas said in a statement. “For almost two years, we have been working as a team preparing for events such as this and we are now seeing why that work has been so important.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who observes any suspicious activity that could endanger others is asked to report it by calling 866-HLS-TIPS (866-457-8477) or sending an email to CTIC@ct.gov. Anyone who observes suspicious activity around mailboxes or mail should report it to USPS by calling: 877-876-2455.
In June 2023, more than 120 Republican state lawmakers were mailed envelopes containing white powder and threatening notes in Kansas, Tennessee, and Montana, accord to NPR.
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Publish date : 2024-09-17 22:00:00
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