Congressman Mark DeSaulnier said a “suspicious envelope” was delivered to his Walnut Creek district office Friday afternoon.
According to DeSaulnier, the U.S. Capitol Police reported that several congressional district offices have received “suspicious envelopes” containing “threatening letters and a white powdery substance.” He said the envelope delivered to his district office matched that description.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office said there was a “large presence” near DeSaulnier’s office.
Here’s DeSaulnier’s full statement:
“Following reports from U.S. Capitol Police of identical suspicious envelopes containing threatening letters and a white powdery substance that were delivered to other Congressional district offices across the nation, a member of our team identified a letter matching the description and return address, immediately secured the envelope without opening it, and called local law enforcement and U.S. Capitol Police.
“Threats and political violence seem to have reached a fever pitch in our country, and I urge my fellow Americans to stand united against such attempts at undermining our democracy.
“My priority remains the safety and security of my team, and I am thankful for the quick and decisive response. We remain committed to serving CA-10 residents and will not be deterred from this important work by threats.”
The listed return address was a Manhattan location linked to the Democratic Socialists of America, but the group said they have not had offices there in years.
Minority leader Chuck Schumer had a threatening letter intercepted, according to a spokesman. California Senator Alex Padilla says he was also alerted that his office was targeted.
Local offices of several other elected leaders also received these letters.
Representative Zoe Lofgren posted that law enforcement was immediately called after her San Jose office received a suspicious letter, adding that her staffers are safe and the investigation is ongoing.
Representative Jimmy Panetta says staff opened an envelope Friday morning and realized there was powder inside. She immediately put the envelopes in the garbage can and cleared staff members out of the office and called 911.
Law enforcement officials said initial testing of the envelope was negative. But experts say Capitol Hill police, the FBI and postal inspectors have to treat these letter threats seriously.
“The impact could be deadly, because the one time that you’re wrong, you know innocent bystanders could end up, could end up deceased or very sick,” Former NJ FBI Director Timothy Gallagher said.
These letters have now been sent nationwide, with some being delivered to state officers in Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma on Thursday.
The mailings come three weeks before election day, and an investigation to track the sender could take some time.
