Balint among dozens in Congress targeted with suspicious letters

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U.S. Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont was notified by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service of a suspicious letter intended for her office that is being handled by authorities.

On Friday afternoon, Maryland Rep. Sarah Elfreth’s district office in Howard County “was evacuated after a suspicious letter and substance were delivered by mail. No illnesses were reported and Howard County authorities said there’s no indication of danger to the public, but the incident drew fire and police officers to the office space,” according to The Baltimore Banner.

And The Guardian reported on Monday afternoon that more than three dozen members of Congress “have had their offices targeted with envelopes containing white powder, less than three weeks” before the Tuesday, Nov. 3 midterms,” as federal agents try to identify who is behind the campaign.”

In a statement released by her Brattleboro office, Balint said, “We have been notified by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that a letter intended for our office may contain a suspicious substance. We are working closely with postal inspectors and the appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure the letter is safely intercepted and tested.”

She added, “Threats against public servants are serious, and the safety of my staff and the Vermonters we serve is my priority. We are grateful to the postal inspectors and law enforcement officials working to address these incidents, and we will continue serving Vermonters while the investigation proceeds.”

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is coordinating the safe handling and testing of the letter, with the results and any further investigation to be handled by the appropriate federal authorities.

Balint’s office is coordinating with law enforcement and will share additional information if or when appropriate.