Suspicious Letter Prompts Evacuation at Senator Mike Rounds’ Sioux Falls Office

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A suspicious letter sent to Senator Mike Rounds’ Sioux Falls office prompted an evacuation and police response this week.

Rounds says staff members received a letter believed to contain a suspicious substance and immediately followed safety protocols recommended by U.S. Capitol Police. The Sioux Falls Police Department responded and evacuated the office while the situation was investigated.

In a statement, Rounds called the incident deeply concerning, saying intimidation tactics targeting congressional staff have no place in the nation.

The incident comes amid a broader wave of suspicious mailings. According to CNN, at least 36 lawmakers across the country reported receiving suspicious letters, several of which contained a white powdery substance. Election offices in at least 10 states have also received similar letters, prompting an investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson received a letter with a white powdery substance this past weekend.

Authorities have not released details on the substance found in the letter sent to Rounds’ office.