Federal authorities have charged an Oklahoma man with sending hundreds of letters containing nonhazardous white powder to public officials ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections. The powder has been identified as yeast or flour, though not all letters have been fully tested, the FBI stated in a court filing.
Robin Martin faces charges of conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. He was scheduled for an initial court appearance in Oklahoma City on Tuesday afternoon. Online records did not immediately list an attorney available to comment on his behalf.
Last month, federal authorities announced an investigation into letters containing "suspicious substances" that were mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide. Recipients were advised to treat the mailings as potentially hazardous.
A message from the Senate Sergeant at Arms indicated that law enforcement was working to intercept any additional letters, acknowledging the possibility that some might reach their destinations. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service were investigating the matter at the time. The FBI deferred questions to the U.S. attorney’s office on Tuesday, and the Postal Inspection Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.