By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Federal authorities have charged an Oklahoma man with sending hundreds of letters containing nonhazardous white powder to public officials ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections.
Charges and Arrest
Robin Martin faces charges of conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. He was arrested Monday and expected to appear Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City.
Powder Identified as Yeast or Flour
The FBI said the powders turned out to be yeast or flour, though not all letters have been fully tested. Investigators believe more than 700 mailings were associated with the same sender.
Targets and Threats
The letters were addressed to election officials, members of Congress, pollsters, news media, and federal law enforcement agencies. A common message warned recipients about upcoming arrests for treason.
Investigation Timeline
The investigation began in 2024 when election officials in every state reported mail with a white substance and a three-page letter declaring war. The return address listed "U.S.T.E.A., United States Traitor Elimination Army, Takoma Park, MD."
Recent Evacuations
Last month, federal authorities announced they were investigating letters with suspicious substances mailed to congressional and election offices nationwide, urging recipients to treat them as potentially hazardous. The packages led to evacuations of election offices in Louisiana and Oklahoma in October.
