Mystery mailings put Congress and election offices on edge

Over three dozen congressional lawmakers and election offices in at least 32 states have been targeted with suspicious letters, many containing a white powder.

Why it matters: The letters have forced evacuations and disrupted election offices just weeks before the 2026 midterms , raising concerns about political intimidation .

Driving the news: Rep.

Adam Smith's (D-Wash.) district office received a letter Monday, prompting staff to evacuate.

In an emailed statement, Smith's office confirmed it "received a suspicious letter containing a powdery substance, like others sent to Congressional offices across the country." Staff returned to the office Tuesday.

What they're saying: "The FBI and U.S.

Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices, and Congressional offices," an FBI spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

"Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident." Catch up quick: The U.S.

Capitol Police, the House and Senate sergeants at arms and other officials sent notices to congressional offices last week warning about letters containing suspicious substances and urging staffers to be vigilant.

Over 100 letters were estimated to be circulating around the country, law enforcement sources told ABC News.

The USCP referred Axios to the FBI for comment.

Here's what we know about the suspicious letters: Who was targeted At least three dozen lawmakers have been targeted with the letters, including both Democrats and Republicans.

That includes prominent leaders such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sens.

Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).