MILWAUKEE, WI — U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore's district office in Milwaukee received mail containing a suspicious substance, the congresswoman said, as federal investigators look into similar letters sent to elected officials and election offices across the country.
Moore said in a post on X that her office was one of several across the country, all belonging to elected officials, that were sent the mail.
According to Moore, her staff was following proper protocols and precautions when they opened the mail. Because of the incident, mail will no longer be sorted at the district office, she said.
Moore thanked the U.S. Capitol Police, Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee Fire Department, FBI and hazmat teams, which she said responded immediately. She did not say what the substance was or whether any staff members were exposed.
As of Friday night, at least 36 members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, said their offices had been sent suspicious letters, CNN reported.
Some of the letters contained a white powder, forcing evacuations and bringing police to the scene.
No injuries have been reported, and in at least five cases the substance was found to be harmless, according to CNN. It is not clear whether the letters sent to congressional offices are connected to those mailed to election offices.
NBC News reported that Rep. Kelly Morrison of Minnesota is among the lawmakers whose home-state offices were targeted. Suspicious packages were also sent to election offices in at least 15 states, Wisconsin included, and the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating, according to NBC.
Moore, a Democrat, represents Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District, which includes Milwaukee.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Milwaukee Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.