Current:Home > reviewsSuspicious package sent to elections officials in Minnesota prompts evacuation and FBI investigation-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Suspicious package sent to elections officials in Minnesota prompts evacuation and FBI investigation
lotradecoin education View Date:2024-12-25 16:30:35
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on Friday were investigating the origin of a suspicious package that was sent to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, prompting an hourslong evacuation.
Friday’s episode in Minnesota was the latest in a string of suspicious package deliveries to elections officials in more than 15 states earlier this month. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office in St. Paul was evacuated around noon on Friday, and the building remained under lockdown into the afternoon, said Cassondra Knudson, a spokesperson for the office.
The package was addressed to the office with a return address to the “United States Traitor Elimination Army,” the office said in a news release. That matches the sender of a package to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office earlier this month. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said his office would work with law enforcement agencies to hold whoever sent the package accountable.
“Threatening election officials is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” Simon said in a written statement. “Our democracy depends on public servants who must be able to perform their duties free from fear, intimidation, or harassment. This action is not deterring our work or determination to deliver another election that is free, fair, accurate, and secure.”
In Minnesota on Friday and in the earlier episodes in other states, there were no immediate reports of injuries or that any of the packages contained hazardous material.
The earlier packages were sent to elections officials or intercepted before they arrived in Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, Mississippi and Connecticut.
The FBI said those packages contained “an unknown substance” but did not offer further details. The agency declined to offer additional information about the status of the investigation or the specific threat in Minnesota on Friday.
The latest scare comes as early voting has begun in several states ahead of the high-stakes elections for president, U.S. Senate, Congress and key statehouse offices, disrupting an already tense voting season. Local elections directors are beefing up security to keep workers and polling places safe while also ensuring that ballots and voting procedures won’t be tampered with.
The National Association of Secretaries of State condemned what it described as a “disturbing trend” of threats to election workers leading up to Nov. 5, as well as the second apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
veryGood! (29167)
Related
- Pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked road near Sea-Tac Airport to have charges dropped
- Truck driver charged with criminally negligent homicide in fatal Texas bus crash
- Alabama vs. Clemson in basketball? Football schools face off with Final Four on the line
- American tourist dies, U.S. Marine missing in separate incidents off Puerto Rico coast
- Hideki Matsuyama will be without regular caddie, coach after their passports and visas were stolen
- Duke knocks off No. 1 seed Houston to set up all-ACC Elite Eight in South Region
- Trump asks appeals court to review ruling allowing Fani Willis to remain on Georgia election case
- Here's why your kids are so obsessed with 'Is it Cake?' on Netflix
- Demi Lovato opens up about how 'daddy issues' led her to chase child stardom, success
- What is Holy Saturday? What the day before Easter means for Christians around the world
Ranking
- Walmart boosts its outlook for 2024 with bargains proving a powerful lure for the inflation weary
- Flying during the solar eclipse? These airports could see delays, FAA says
- Nate Oats channels Nick Saban's 'rat poison' talk as former Alabama football coach provides support
- Flying during the solar eclipse? These airports could see delays, FAA says
- Andrew Shue's Sister Elisabeth Shares Rare Update on His Life Amid Marilee Fiebig Romance
- USWNT midfielder apologizes for social media posts after Megan Rapinoe calls out 'hate'
- Tracy Morgan clarifies his comments on Ozempic weight gain, says he takes it 'every Thursday'
- A big airline is relaxing its pet policy to let owners bring the companion and a rolling carry-on
Recommendation
-
Big Georgia county to start charging some costs to people who challenge the eligibility of voters
-
Save up to 70% on Madewell’s Sale Section, Including a Chic $85 Denim Button-up for $27
-
What is Holy Saturday? What the day before Easter means for Christians around the world
-
Singer Sierra Ferrell talks roving past and remarkable rise
-
Austin Dillon loses automatic playoff berth for actions in crash-filled NASCAR win
-
Unsung North Dakota State transfer leads Alabama past North Carolina and into the Elite 8
-
Maine governor proposes budget revisions to fund housing and child care before April adjournment
-
'Cowboy Carter' collaborator Dolly Parton reacts to Beyoncé's 'Jolene' cover: 'Wow'