Lawmakers on edge after two ricin-laced letters were sent to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and one to President Obama reported scares at district offices today.
These local offices don’t get the same off-site letter screening as on Capitol Hill.
One Democrat said a staffer was under precautionary medical care as a result.
“Law enforcement officials are performing tests on the suspicious letter that was delivered to my Saginaw office. We do not expect to learn at least a preliminary result of those tests until late tonight or tomorrow. The staffer who discovered the letter is being kept overnight at a local hospital for precautionary reasons, but has no symptoms,” Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said.
“We do not know yet if the letter has any connection to suspicious mail sent to other public officials,” he added, noting the office was closed as a precaution.
Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) said suspicious letters were sent to his Phoenix office.
“I’m thankful to report that no dangerous or hazardous materials were detected in suspicious letters sent to my Phoenix office,” Flake said. “All staff members are safe.”
The Farmers Branch, Texas, office of Sen. John Cornyn (R) was evacuated due to a “suspicious substance” in a package. It was not found to be harmful.
“All clear,” Cornyn tweeted.
The letters received by Wicker and Obama were postmarked Memphis and reportedly said, “To see a wrong and not expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance… I am KC and I approve this message.”
Glad all is clear @jeffflake‘s #Phoenix office – no suspicious packages at my office either. Thanks to law enforcement for quick response
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) April 17, 2013
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