White powder sent to Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand offices; law enforcement source says 'not hazardous'

WASHINGTON — Offices of New York's two U.S. senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, were among intended targets of suspicious envelopes, at least some containing a white substance, sent to lawmakers and election officials nationwide, their spokespersons told Newsday Thursday.

The FBI, the Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Capitol Police, are investigating at least 100 envelopes, most containing a powdery substance, sent to congressional offices and state election offices nationwide.
A law enforcement official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, told Newsday that known samples of the powder tested so far have been determined to be "not hazardous," and not a threat. Envelopes were also addressed to other U.S. Senate offices, and well as some state and local officials, nationally.

In a statement, an FBI spokesman said, "We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. This FBI will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens."

Gillibrand, in a statement, said: "This afternoon, a suspicious piece of mail was sent to my New York City office and was safely intercepted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. I am deeply grateful to the postal inspectors for protecting my staff."

A spokesperson for Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, said the envelope addressed to one of his offices was also "intercepted" by security protocols.

The spokesman would not specify whether that was sent to his New York City, Washington D.C, or some other office.

It was not immediately clear how many envelopes reached their destinations.
The U.S. House sergeant-at-arms sent an email to all the house offices to keep an eye out for additional letters. Several other U.S. senators' offices on Thursday confirmed they were alerted to envelopes that had been addressed to them.
William McFarland, the House sergeant-at-arms sent an alert to all members that said: "Although no House Members have been identified as intended recipients at this time," his office, "continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with law enforcement partners."

"All offices are reminded to remain vigilant and follow safe mail handling procedures to help protect staff from potentially harmful materials," McFarland added, suggesting offices could consider arranging to have mail forwarded to D.C., "where it can be processed in accordance with established Capitol complex mail screening procedures.

The office of Long Island Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport), the chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, confirmed it was not targeted with a package that was intercepted. A spokeswoman for Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Amityville) said they did not receive an envelope on Thursday.

Aides to Long Island's three other House members — Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) and Laura Gillen (D-Rockville Centre) — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In 2001, envelopes were sent to media outlets and U.S. politicians containing a powdery substance that was confirmed to be a highly concentrated, pure, and potent form of anthrax.