Politics & Government

Ky. State Board of Elections received letter with unknown white powder substance

Renovations and repairs are being undertaken at the Kentucky state Capitol in Frankfort, Ky. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021
Renovations and repairs are being undertaken at the Kentucky state Capitol in Frankfort, Ky. Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 rhermens@herald-leader.com

Kentucky election officials at the State Board of Elections called in the Federal Bureau of Investigation Tuesday morning to investigate a package of unknown white powder delivered to its offices.

Officials with the FBI and the U.S. Postal Service tested the substance and determined that it was not hazardous, though there was initial concern that it could be anthrax, according to board attorney Taylor Brown.

The envelope came from a sender that referred to itself in the return address as “The United States Traitor Elimination Army,” Brown said. He added that the address was listed as Takoma Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C.

The substance, sealed in a manila envelope, was discovered by an employee around 9 a.m. Tuesday, Brown said.

This is not the first package of white powder sent to elections officials and administrators across the country.

NBC reported Tuesday that election-related offices in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee, Wyoming and Oklahoma have received similar packages.

A spokesperson for Secretary of State Michael Adams said that Adams’ office has not received such a letter or package.

Austin Horn
Lexington Herald-Leader
Austin Horn is a politics reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader. He previously worked for the Frankfort State Journal and National Public Radio. Horn has roots in both Woodford and Martin Counties.
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