Oklahoma man charged over white powder mailings to election offices

Federal authorities have charged an Oklahoma man with mailing hundreds of letters containing nonhazardous white powder to public officials ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections. The letters triggered evacuations at election offices in at least two states and prompted a nationwide search for additional packages.

Robin Martin faces charges for conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. According to a court filing made public Tuesday, the FBI identified the white substance in the letters as yeast or flour. However, the agency noted that not all letters have been fully tested yet. Martin was expected to make his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon in Oklahoma City. Online records do not list an attorney to comment on his behalf.

The investigation began last month when authorities announced they were examining letters with suspicious substances sent to congressional and election offices. Recipients were urged to treat the mailings as potentially hazardous. In Louisiana, the Elections section of the Secretary of State’s Office in Baton Rouge was evacuated in early October. Oklahoma also evacuated election offices in response to the mailings.

A message from the Senate Sergeant at Arms stated that law enforcement was working to intercept additional letters. The message acknowledged that some letters may have already reached their destinations. The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. On Tuesday, the FBI referred questions to the U.S. attorney's office. The Postal Inspection Service did not immediately return an email seeking comment.