Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Susan Collins received envelopes containing white powder on Friday. This incident brings the total number of lawmakers targeted by these suspicious mailings to more than a dozen, according to the New York Post. Federal agents from the FBI and Capitol Police are now investigating the letters.
Senator Cruz confirmed the threat to his staff in Houston. “This afternoon, my Houston office received a suspicious piece of mail containing a white powder substance,” Cruz wrote on X. First responders from the Houston Police and Fire Department arrived quickly to handle the scene. Cruz observed that trying to scare your political rivals has no role in our nation.
This afternoon, my Houston office received a suspicious piece of mail containing a white powder substance. The FBI, Houston Police and Fire Department, and U.S. Capitol Police responded swiftly.
I am grateful to law enforcement for their professionalism and to my dedicated team members, who work tirelessly on behalf of Texans.
This incident is deeply concerning. Attempts to intimidate your political opponents have no place in our country.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) October 16, 2026
A similar event occurred at Senator Collins’ office in Portland, Maine. Her chief of staff, Katie Brown, thanked local teams for their fast action. “Thank you to the Portland police, the Portland fire department, the hazmat team, and the FBI their quick and courageous response,” Brown said. She noted this was the fourth attack on the senator’s office or home in just two months.
A separate letter reached the office of Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta in Santa Cruz, California. A staff member opened the envelope during their morning routine before realizing the danger. “Upon realizing that there was powder in the envelope, she immediately put the envelope in the garbage can, cleared fellow staff members out of the office, and called 911,” Panetta wrote. Medical officials cleared the staffer and her colleagues after the incident. Panetta emphasized that the envelope came from New York but the return address was torn off.
Earlier today, my Congressional Office received an envelope containing a suspicious substance. My team immediately notified the FBI, NYPD, and FDNY, all of which responded promptly. The FDNY tested the substance and determined that it was non-hazardous. We have since turned over the envelope to the FBI, and an investigation is ongoing.
We are living in a time when threats against elected officials and their staff have become the new normal. Although my team is understandably shaken by the incident, we will not be deterred from serving the people of NY-15 in the Bronx.
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) October 16, 2026
Law enforcement officials are working hard to stop more letters from arriving. A Senate message cautioned that officials are trying to stop any more letters before delivery, though some might still arrive. The FBI stated they are looking for the person or people behind these attacks. They confirmed the mailings included addresses for Secretary of State offices and election offices across the nation.
The wave of suspicious mailings has hit election offices in several states. The Ohio Secretary of State was an intended recipient, but the U.S. Postal Service stopped the letter. Local media reported that the Arizona State Capitol was also targeted when a clerk opened a letter. According to RedState, the FBI is treating these as a coordinated effort to disrupt elections. The agency announced it will keep protecting the public and securing elections for American citizens.
Statement from Congressman Maxwell Frost on the suspicious package received at his Orlando office: https://t.co/zRhJLQTmUP
— Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (@RepMaxwellFrost) October 16, 2026
Senator Mike Rounds in South Dakota also received a suspicious package that his staff did not open. These events happen as Cruz and Collins face tight reelection battles. Every incident is being examined carefully by the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
