The FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police are investigating a nationwide series of suspicious mailings sent to congressional offices and state election offices.
An envelope containing a suspicious powder was mailed to and opened by a staffer for U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley at his district office in Rocklin, Calif. The staffer immediately placed the material into a special quarantine enclosure specifically designed for this type of incident.
Rocklin Police and Roseville Hazmat responded around Noon to the call for aid. The FBI, which will lead the investigation, also responded to the scene.
“On behalf of my entire team, I want to express our gratitude to the Rocklin Police and Roseville Hazmat team as well as the FBI for their quick action and response,” said Rep. Kiley.
Bay Area members of Congress also received the suspicious letters in their offices Friday, along with California Sen. Alex Padilla and Representatives Ami Bera, Doris Matsui and Josh Harder.
They join at least 20 others serving in public office to receive the letters this week. According to the FBI, they join the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in investigating suspicious mailings sent to addresses nationwide, including offices of secretaries of state and related election offices. They FBI said many of the letters contained an unknown substance.