California Congressman's Office Targeted by Suspicious Mailer
A staffer opened an envelope containing white powder at Rep. Jimmy Panetta's district office, prompting a 911 call and triggering investigations into a series of similar incidents nationwide.
A California congressman's district office received a suspicious mailing containing white powder, prompting an emergency response and drawing attention to a broader pattern of similar incidents targeting federal offices.
Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., confirmed the incident occurred Friday at his Santa Cruz district office. A staff member discovered the powder after opening an envelope delivered as part of the office's regular mail. The staffer immediately isolated the envelope, evacuated colleagues from the immediate area, and contacted 911.
"These attempts to intimidate us will not deter us from doing our job," Panetta stated on social media. "Despite these difficult circumstances, we remain committed to our democracy by continuing our service to the people of California’s 19th Congressional District."
According to Panetta's office, the envelope originated from New York and bore similarities to other suspicious mailings currently under investigation by federal authorities. The envelope was torn open and discarded before its exact return address could be confirmed.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Capitol Police, are investigating a wave of suspicious letters sent to congressional and election offices across the country. A recent alert warned that while authorities are working to intercept such mail, some may still reach their intended destinations.
One of the suspicious envelopes, postmarked "DSA," featured a return address previously associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. The organization has stated it no longer uses that address, having vacated it in 2013.
Other California lawmakers, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren and Rep. Kevin Kiley, have also reported receiving suspicious mail. Separately, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., confirmed that the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a suspicious package addressed to his office before its delivery.
This incident also occurred as the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of potentially hazardous materials at the Santa Cruz County Government Building. The building was evacuated as a precaution, and no injuries were reported.
Numerous other members of Congress nationwide have reported receiving suspicious mail, including Representatives Seth Moulton, Maxwell Frost, Darren Soto, Ritchie Torres, and Bonnie Watson Coleman, as well as Senators Mike Rounds, Chris Murphy, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Chris Coons, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Amy Klobuchar.