CT University Official Targeted In 'Suspicious Letter' Incident

NEW BRITAIN, CT — Authorities are investigating after the president of Central Connecticut State University said she received a letter containing an unknown substance.

CCSU President Zulma Toro said in a statement that she received an envelope with no return address on Friday night. She opened the envelope and an unknown substance was released.

Toro was not physically harmed. She was evaluated by medical staff and did not need to go to the hospital.

The university is working with local, state, and federal agencies "until this incident is resolved."

Toro began at CCSU in 2017.

Toro released the following statement on the incident:

Dear Central Family,

I am reaching out today to inform you of an incident that happened last evening at my home. First, I am OK. I am not physically hurt. My resolve to be a leader for our university has also not been weakened by a cruel incident. I received an envelope addressed to me that had no return address. I opened it and an unknown substance was released. I called the authorities, and they responded immediately.

An on-site assessment showed that I did not require medical attention at the hospital. I will not say more than that about the details of the incident as it remains under investigation by the Connecticut State Police. The Central team will be working closely with local, state, and federal agencies until this incident is resolved. Out of precaution, university procedures surrounding mail are already being evaluated and updates will be made based on the guidance we receive.

In the meantime, what I would like to say is thank you, to the public safety personnel and staff at Central who supported me. Thank you to the first responders who handled a frightening situation with professionalism and care. Thank you to all the members of the Central family, CSCU team, Board of Regents and the community who have reached out by phone and email, to send messages of encouragement. While I can't control everything that comes my way, I can control how I respond to them.

Sincerely,

Zulma Toro

President