Global Courant
Republican lawmakers in Montana share receiving white powder letters as federal agents investigate mysterious substances similarly sent to GOP officials in two other states
Republican lawmakers in Montana share receiving white-powder letters as federal agents investigate mysterious substances similarly sent to GOP officials in two other states.
In a tweet Friday night, Republican Governor Greg Gianforte said he has received “disturbing” reports of anonymous threats sent to lawmakers. Montana’s attorney general posted on Facebook that the local sheriff’s office collected evidence after his mother, a state representative, opened a letter containing a “white powder substance” mailed to her home address.
“BE CAREFUL opening your mail,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in the post addressed to lawmakers. “If you receive a suspicious package, please contact the police immediately.”
Republican officials in Tennessee and Kansas have recently received similar letters. A Nashville legislative office building was temporarily sealed Thursday after the Speaker of the House of Representatives said multiple Republican leaders received mail containing “a white powder substance.” The letters contained “clear threats from a liberal activist specifically targeting Republicans,” said a spokesperson for the House Republican Caucus, who did not provide further details.
The FBI said on Thursday that ongoing lab tests showed no risk to public safety.
According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, about 100 such letters have been sent to lawmakers and government officials across Kansas. Preliminary tests have not detected any common dangerous toxins and no injuries have been reported.
