Envelope With White Powder Found In West Hartford: State

WEST HARTFORD, CT — An envelope thought to contain white powder addressed to the state's top election official was intercepted at the U.S. Postal Service facility in West Hartford Tuesday.

According to the Connecticut Secretary of the State's Office, state officials Monday were notified by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) that multiple envelopes with powder were sent to and received by elections offices nationwide.

As a result, Connecticut elections officials notified staff about the possible receipt of an envelope with white powder, "including protocols on the proper handling of hazardous materials and ensuring protective gear is in place."

On Tuesday morning, Connecticut officials said, the secretary of the state's office was notified by the FBI that U.S. postal inspectors intercepted an envelope "matching the description of suspicious envelopes received by other offices."

The envelope has been sent to a state lab for processing, state officials said.

Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas thanked state and federal authorities for their role in the investigation.

The incident comes as the country heads into a bitterly divided election season in which election violence, intimidation, and threats surrounding elections have ramped up steadily since 2016.

The use of white powder dates back to the fall of 2001, when anthrax attacks (which feature white powder) — including a fatal attack in Connecticut — terrorized a nation already traumatized by the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Thomas said situations like this have been accounted for in 2024 election preparations.

"For almost two years, we have been working as a team preparing for events such as this and we are now seeing why that work has been so important," Thomas said in a statement.

Anyone who observes any suspicious activity is asked to report it by calling 866-HLS-TIPS (866-457-8477) or sending an email to CTIC@CT.gov. Anyone who observes suspicious activity around mailboxes or mail should report it to the USPS by calling: 877-876-2455.

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