Suspicious Packages Target State Authorities in Three US States Ahead of Midterm Elections

NBC television reported that packages containing a mysterious powder were sent to the offices of secretaries of state in three states ahead of the midterm elections in the United States.

The channel stated that "packages containing mysterious powder were sent this week to the offices of secretaries of state in Ohio, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, just weeks before they take on the task of overseeing the midterm elections."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Wednesday that a "series of suspicious correspondence" had been sent to "various addresses across the country, including Secretary of State offices and their associated election offices."

It added: "Some letters contained an unknown substance, and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to address each incident individually. We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for sending these letters."

According to media reports, the package in Ohio was intercepted by the Postal Service.

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose stated on Wednesday that his office was "targeted" by receiving one of these suspicious letters, but the Postal Service managed to intercept it.

In Louisiana, an employee of the Election Commission opened a package containing white powder and was transported to the emergency room "as a precautionary measure."

Oklahoma authorities reassured voters that the incident would not affect the conduct of the elections.

They noted that authorities did not find hazardous materials in the packages. No information about the sender and their motives has been revealed.

The 2026 US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026. These are the mid-term elections held halfway through the second term of US President Donald Trump. The elections include all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 out of 100 seats in the Senate, as well as gubernatorial elections in 36 states and periodic redistricting adjustments in 88 out of 99 state legislative chambers.