FBI says powder was yeast or flour; not all letters fully tested
Federal authorities have charged Oklahoma man Robin Martin with sending hundreds of letters containing white powder to public officials before the 2024 and 2026 elections. The FBI said in a court filing made public Tuesday that the powders turned out to be yeast or flour, though not all the letters have been fully tested. Federal authorities described the powder as nonhazardous.
Martin is charged with conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications.
He was expected to make his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in Oklahoma City. Online records did not list an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
Federal authorities announced last month that they were investigating letters with “suspicious substances” that had been mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide. The announcement urged recipients to treat the mailings as “potentially hazardous.”
The FBI said at the time that it and the Postal Inspection Service were investigating the letters. On Tuesday, the FBI referred questions to the US attorney’s office.
A message from the Senate sergeant at arms obtained by the Associated Press said law enforcement officials were working to intercept any additional letters. The message cautioned that “it is possible that some letters may reach their destinations.”
The Postal Inspection Service did not immediately return an email message from the Associated Press seeking comment. Two details remained unsettled Tuesday: investigators had not fully tested every letter, and officials were still working to intercept additional mail.