US authorities charge Robin Martin over hundreds of powder letters
An FBI filing made public on 3 November alleges the Oklahoma resident sent the letters to officials before the 2024 and 2026 elections. Tested powders were yeast or flour, but testing was incomplete.
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Federal authorities have charged Oklahoma resident Robin Martin with conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications over hundreds of letters containing white powder, an FBI court filing made public on 3 November says. Authorities allege he sent them to public officials before the 2024 and 2026 elections.
The FBI said tested powders were yeast or flour, but not all letters had been fully tested. The charges remain allegations.
In October, federal authorities announced an investigation into suspicious-substance letters sent to congressional and election offices nationwide. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service said recipients included elected officials, secretaries of state and their election offices, and other election-related entities.
Testing and precautions continue
In a public advisory, the two agencies said no hazardous material had been identified at that point and laboratory testing was continuing. They advised recipients to treat suspicious substances as hazardous.
If a letter contains an unknown substance, the agencies advise calling 911, avoiding movements that could spread the powder, leaving the room and closing the door, and reporting the incident to both agencies.
A message from the Senate sergeant at arms obtained by the Associated Press said law enforcement was working to intercept additional letters, though some could reach their destinations.
Martin was expected to make an initial court appearance in Oklahoma City on the afternoon of 3 November. Online records did not list an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
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Sources
- Guardian WorldUS man charged with mailing hundreds of letters containing powder to officials before midterms
- ic3.govInternet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Suspicious Letters Containing White Powder Mailed to State and Local Election Officials, Media Organizations, and Public and Private Polling Companies