FBI investigates white powder sent to Arizona State Capitol

The FBI is investigating after an envelope containing white powder was sent to the Arizona State Capitol, according to wsfcam.iheart.com. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes described the incident as a "targeted threat" and confirmed the envelope was opened by staff, but no injuries have been reported.

As a precaution, the Arizona Executive Tower was briefly evacuated on October 15, with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, its hazardous materials response team, and the FBI involved in the investigation, wsfcam.iheart.com reported. Access to the affected floor has been restricted, and exposed individuals have been isolated.

The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including election offices in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Ohio, where a similar package was intercepted, according to wsfcam.iheart.com and The Guardian.

Secretary Fontes emphasized that his office remains on high alert as the November 3 election approaches, stating they will not be deterred from their duties on behalf of Arizona voters, as reported by wsfcam.iheart.com.

The FBI has not yet identified the substance in the letters, but some have contained unknown substances. The agency is working closely with law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and identify those responsible, wsfcam.iheart.com added.

Similar threats have occurred during past election cycles, including in 2023 when letters containing white powder, some with traces of fentanyl, were sent to election offices in six states. National associations representing secretaries of state and election directors have expressed deep concern over these incidents, according to wsfcam.iheart.com.