Suspicious envelopes with white powder sent to San Jose congressional offices

On Friday, suspicious envelopes containing unknown substances were delivered to the San Jose offices of Congressmembers Zoe Lofgren and Jimmy Panetta, according to eastbaytimes.com. A staff member at Panetta's Santa Cruz office opened an envelope with a white powdery substance, prompting evacuation and a 911 call. Medical officials initially cleared the staff after the incident.

Lofgren's San Jose office also received a suspicious letter, with law enforcement immediately notified. Lofgren said her staffers are safe and that the investigation is ongoing, as reported by abc7news.com and eastbaytimes.com.

The FBI is investigating these incidents as part of a broader probe into suspicious mail sent to congressional offices across California and the nation, CBS News Bay Area reported. The FBI is working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and other agencies to identify those responsible.

Officials have urged recipients to treat such mailings as potentially hazardous. Panetta and Lofgren emphasized their commitment to continue their work despite these threats, highlighting concerns about increasing political intimidation and violence.

Local law enforcement and hazardous materials teams responded to the incidents, and investigations remain active as authorities assess the contents and origins of the envelopes.