The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched an investigation on Friday into the origins of a suspicious package sent to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, triggering a tense hourslong evacuation. The incident is part of a broader wave of threatening deliveries to election officials in over 15 states earlier this month, raising concerns about the safety of those responsible for overseeing the upcoming elections.
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office in St. Paul was evacuated around noon on Friday after the discovery of the package, and the building remained under lockdown for much of the afternoon, according to Cassondra Knudson, a spokesperson for the office. The suspicious package was addressed to the office with a return address linked to an organization calling itself the “United States Traitor Elimination Army,” a name that has previously appeared in connection with similar packages sent to election officials in other states, including Colorado.
In a press release, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon condemned the incident and vowed that his office would work closely with law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. “Threatening election officials is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,” Simon said. “Our democracy depends on public servants who must be able to perform their duties free from fear, intimidation, or harassment. This action is not deterring our work or our determination to deliver another election that is free, fair, accurate, and secure.”
While Friday’s incident caused disruption and concern, there were no reports of injuries, and initial inspections did not reveal any hazardous materials within the package. Similarly, no injuries or dangerous substances have been reported in connection with the earlier suspicious packages sent to election officials across the country.
A Growing Trend of Threats Against Election Officials
The package sent to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office is the latest in a series of similar threats directed at election officials in multiple states, including Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Rhode Island, Mississippi, and Connecticut. These packages, some of which were intercepted before reaching their intended recipients, have raised alarm among election workers and law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The FBI has confirmed that these packages contained an “unknown substance,” but the agency has not provided further details regarding the contents or the investigation’s progress. As of Friday, there were no additional updates regarding the specific threat in Minnesota or the broader investigation into these incidents.
The timing of the threats is significant, as early voting has already commenced in several states ahead of crucial elections, including those for president, U.S. Senate, Congress, and key statehouse offices. With tensions already high in the political landscape, these incidents have further complicated the voting process, adding security concerns to the mix. Local election officials have been stepping up security measures to protect polling places and workers, all while ensuring the integrity of ballots and voting procedures.
Election Workers Under Threat
The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) has condemned the spate of threats directed at election workers, labeling it a “disturbing trend” ahead of the November 5 elections. In a statement, the organization stressed the importance of safeguarding the individuals tasked with administering the elections, warning that continued threats could undermine public trust in the democratic process.
“Election workers are the backbone of our democracy, ensuring that every eligible vote is counted fairly and accurately,” the NASS statement read. “Any attempt to intimidate or harm these public servants is an attack on the integrity of our elections and will not be tolerated.”
The wave of threats comes amid an already tense political climate, with the upcoming elections expected to be highly contentious. The rising hostility toward election officials has prompted concerns about potential disruptions, especially as some states continue to report issues with misinformation, voter intimidation, and allegations of electoral interference.
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Broader Implications and Response
Beyond Minnesota, election officials nationwide are ramping up security protocols in response to the threats. Many jurisdictions are working closely with local law enforcement and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, to monitor potential risks and ensure that polling stations remain secure during the election period.
The incidents also highlight the challenges election workers face in an increasingly polarized environment. Election officials, who typically operate behind the scenes, have become targets of threats and harassment in recent years, reflecting a growing erosion of public trust in the electoral process.
As the investigation into the suspicious packages continues, law enforcement agencies are urging vigilance and encouraging election offices to report any unusual or threatening correspondence immediately. The FBI has set up a task force to track down the perpetrators behind the series of threats, with officials warning that any attempt to interfere with the election process will be met with swift legal consequences.
While the investigation remains ongoing, the message from officials is clear: democracy will not be swayed by intimidation, and the election process will move forward as planned, despite the efforts of those seeking to disrupt it.
