Suspicious Envelope Prompts Investigation At Congressman's East Bay Office

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Authorities are investigating a suspicious envelope delivered to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek office that shared a telling detail with threatening mail sent to congressional offices nationwide.

A staff member at Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s Walnut Creek office reported the envelope after recognizing similarities to threatening mail sent to congressional offices nationwide.

The envelope matched the description and return address of envelopes containing threatening letters and a white powdery substance delivered to other offices, DeSaulnier said in a statement Friday.

The staff member called local law enforcement and U.S. Capitol Police, according to DeSaulnier.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office reported a “large presence” near the congressman’s office, NBC Bay Area reported.

DeSaulnier said U.S. Capitol Police had warned about suspicious envelopes delivered to several congressional district offices.

“Threats and political violence seem to have reached a fever pitch in our country, and I urge my fellow Americans to stand united against such attempts at undermining our democracy,” DeSaulnier said in a statement.

“My priority remains the safety and security of my team, and I am thankful for the quick and decisive response," he said. "We remain committed to serving CA-10 residents and will not be deterred from this important work by threats.”