PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson is thanking law enforcement agencies after a suspicious envelope containing a white powder was intercepted before it reached her office in the State Capitol.
Johnson praised Capitol Security, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Public Safety, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their quick response and efforts to keep state employees safe.
The incident comes as federal authorities investigate a series of suspicious letters sent to election offices and government agencies across the country. According to the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, similar mailings have been reported at secretary of state and election offices nationwide just weeks before Election Day.
Officials have not said what substance was contained in the envelope sent to South Dakota, and the investigation remains ongoing.
National organizations representing secretaries of state and election directors have condemned the threats, saying election workers should never fear for their safety while carrying out their duties.
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