The Texas Department of Public Safety has directed its Capitol personnel to remain on high alert and urged lawmakers and staff to report suspicious mail after letters and packages containing powdery substances targeted government offices nationwide.
DPS Capitol Region Chief Ralph E. Ohland issued the warning in an email obtained by The Dallas Express.
“As you may have seen reported in the news, several packages and letters containing a powdery substance intended for delivery to Secretary of State offices and some related election offices in numerous states have been intercepted and, in some cases, delivered. Fortunately, I am told none of these tested positive for a dangerous substance,” Ohland wrote.
Ohland emphasized DPS’s responsibility to protect employees and visitors throughout the Texas Capitol Complex.
“The Department’s primary role is to provide a safe and secure working environment for you and your staff. We are continually working to prevent these incidents, and we are prepared if needed to respond to suspicious package reports or any other security or law enforcement related report in the Capitol Complex. I have directed our personnel to be on high alert and am asking all stakeholders, employees, and staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious packages or letters immediately to DPS,” Ohland wrote.
For staff in their home districts, Ohland advised contacting a local DPS office or local law enforcement and erring on the side of caution.
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the nationwide mailings and working to identify those responsible, federal authorities told KPRC 2.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said his Houston office received suspicious mail containing white powder on October 16. The FBI, Houston police and fire personnel, and U.S. Capitol Police responded, he said.
Mailings also targeted U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senate minority leader, CBS News reported.
In Oklahoma, an envelope containing suspicious white powder prompted officials to evacuate the State Election Board’s office on October 13. No staff members suffered harm, the board said.
The warning follows a separate Capitol security case. Authorities arrested Benny Caldera Jr., 40, of Converse, on September 30 over an alleged plan to attack the Capitol on October 1, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
Ohland’s email does not connect the mailings to that alleged plot.
The Dallas Express reached out to DPS for additional comment but did not receive a response.
Provided by Dallas Express
