More than 80 letters with ‘suspicious’ white powder sent to state officials, Kansas authorities say
Written by ABC Audio All Rights Reserved on June 17, 2023
(TOPEKA, Kan.) — The FBI and multiple state agencies are investigating after dozens of letters containing a “suspicious” white powder were sent to Kansas state legislators and public officials on Friday, law enforcement said.
More than 80 such letters have been reported across the state, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in an update on Saturday.
“Law enforcement is working to safely collect the letters and investigate the incidents,” the agency said in a statement. “Currently, no injuries have been reported, but we ask everyone to remain vigilant in handling mail.”
The FBI, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Highway Patrol and multiple local authorities have responded to reports of unidentified government officials receiving mail containing a white powder.
Kansas state Rep. Tory Marie Blew indicated in a social media post that she received one of the letters, while sharing a photo of a white envelope addressed to her state district office.
“This is not okay,” Blew, a Republican who represents the Great Bend area, said in the post. “I’m very thankful for our first responders — words can’t describe my gratitude after this event.”
The investigation remains ongoing, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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