Over 700 envelopes containing white powder mailed to U.S. officials

More than 700 envelopes containing a white powder were allegedly mailed to public officials across the United States, according to federal charging documents unsealed on Tuesday. The mailings targeted government figures from both political parties as well as media outlets. The envelopes were sent ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections.

Robin Patrick Martin of Oklahoma faces two federal counts in the case. The charges include conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes, and mailing threatening communications. Authorities stated that the white powder found in the envelopes was nontoxic. The messages inside were written in UV-reactive ink, which is difficult to see with the naked eye.

The FBI affidavit details Martin's stated motivations. He allegedly described perceived issues with the 2020 election and claimed that President Donald Trump won that vote. He voiced concerns that similar issues were recurring in the 2024 election. Some envelopes carried return addresses associated with previous headquarters for the Green Party of the United States and the Democratic Socialists of America. The affidavit notes that the DSA cooperated with the FBI during the investigation.

In one envelope addressed to the Oklahoma State Election Board before the 2024 election, Martin allegedly wrote the message, "stay on the right side of history your life might depend on it!" Federal prosecutors allege that handwriting analysis matched this message to the new batch of letters. The 2026 mailings pertained specifically to the upcoming national elections. Martin referenced an organization called the United States Traitor Elimination Army and threatened recipients with arrest for treason "OR WORSE!!"

Investigators intercepted a message allegedly sent by Martin to FBI Director Kash Patel. Surveillance footage shows Martin dropping off the envelopes at a United States Postal Service facility in both 2024 and 2026. Records indicate that Martin purchased the items used for the mailing and the ingredients for the invisible ink in August of this year. Brendan Donahue, the deputy chief inspector at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, stated in October that suspicious mailings were sent to various addresses nationwide, including secretary of state offices and related election offices.

The Senate sergeant at arms issued a notice to congressional staff regarding the investigation. Dozens of members of Congress and election officials reported being targeted by the mailings. It was not immediately clear whether Martin had been taken into custody. CBS News reached out to the Justice Department for comment on the case.

The charging documents were unsealed on Tuesday. The investigation involves mailings sent to offices and individuals across the country. The next scheduled step in the legal process involves the federal court proceedings related to the two counts against Martin.