Suspicious White Powder Letters Mailed To Kansas Lawmakers; Investigation Expands Beyond The State

TOPEKA, KS – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation.

A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.

The KBI said it will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring these incidents to appropriate resolution.

“Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans, and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable, said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “The KBI is so appreciative of the incredible coordination and outstanding response by countless federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as by fire departments, and hazmat teams to this unprecedented event.”

Since the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to safely collecting or screening evidence, or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.
It remains important to be vigilant when handling mail. Report any letters containing an unknown white powder to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

The investigation is ongoing.

From KMBS-9 News: The Kansas Bureau of Investigations said Sunday the number of letters with suspicious powder mailed to lawmakers and officials in Kansas is about 100. There have been about 100 letters reported across the state since Friday afternoon, according to the KBI. One of the letters was mailed to Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach. Carrie Rahlfeldt, the communications director for the Kansas Speaker of the House, said several members of the Republican caucus received letters with the powder … (click to read more)