Threatening Letter Prompts Hazmat Response At Schneider's Office

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — A threatening letter sent to U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider's Lincolnshire office Friday prompted a hazardous materials response, but testing found no harmful substances, the congressman said.

Schneider disclosed the incident in an Oct. 16 statement, saying his office was among congressional offices nationwide that received suspicious letters. His staff and the building were safe, and the space was deemed clear after a couple of hours.

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"Following protocol, we open all mail under a mail hood," Schneider said in the statement. "Upon reviewing the threatening letter, we contacted the U.S. Capitol Police followed by the Lincolnshire Police Department."

Lincolnshire police and fire personnel, including a hazmat team, responded with specialized equipment from Lake Forest. Responders tested the letter and confirmed it did not contain harmful substances, according to Schneider.

"I am very grateful for the swift response of local law enforcement and fire department personnel and thankful that my team and the building is safe," he said.

Schneider said reports of threatening mail containing suspicious substances sent to congressional offices in Washington and elsewhere began Thursday. More offices, including his, received letters Friday. The FBI is leading the nationwide investigations into the mailings, according to Schneider.

"It is imperative that they follow all leads to apprehend and prosecute those responsible," he said.

His statement did not describe the wording of the threat or identify the substance tested.

"Anyone or any group who thinks they can scare or intimidate Members of Congress or our teams from doing our job and work on behalf of the people we represent is sorely mistaken," Schneider said.