(UnitedVoice.com) – Shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, another threat unfolded. Americans began receiving letters with a white powdery substance inside of them. Five people subsequently died, and more than a dozen others fell ill. When lawmakers across the country recently began receiving letters containing white powder, it was worrisome.
On June 23, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (R) announced on Twitter that he’d received reports that Republican lawmakers had received threatening letters containing white powder. He went on to say that he was going to provide law enforcement with support as they investigated the incidents.
I've received disturbing reports that Montana legislators are receiving anonymous, threatening letters containing white powder. The state will bring to bear whatever resources are needed to support law enforcement officers as they investigate.
— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) June 24, 2023
Kyle Schmauch, the Senate GOP communications director, emailed lawmakers warning them that Republican Reps. Neil Duram and Rhonda Knudsen had both received letters that contained white powder. The sheriff’s department took the one from Knudsen and tested it. Subsequently, Schmauch warned lawmakers against opening any suspicious mail.
The day before, on June 22, the Nashville Fire Department reported they received a call about a suspicious letter being delivered to the Cordell Hull Building, where Tennessee legislators have their offices. Multiple Republicans received letters with white powder in them.
The Associated Press reported that the FBI took the letters for testing but determined there wasn’t a “risk to public safety” at this time. Law enforcement is currently trying to find out how many letters the individual or individuals sent, what their motive is, and who they are.
Lawmakers in Kansas also received about 100 letters as of June 18. Like the others, these contained white powder. The individuals were all Republicans in this state, too. Similar letters were also mailed to former President Donald Trump and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. The US Postal Inspection Service intercepted the mail to Trump and the justice before they were sent to them.
So far, the mail sent to lawmakers in Kansas has also come back negative for toxins.
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