TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation.
The KBI will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring these incidents to appropriate resolution.
“Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans, and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable, said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “The KBI is so appreciative of the incredible coordination and outstanding response by countless federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as by fire departments, and hazmat teams to this unprecedented event.”
Since the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to safely collecting or screening evidence, or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.
It remains important to be vigilant when handling mail. Report any letters containing an unknown white powder to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
The investigation is ongoing.
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TOPEKA – Republican leadership issued a statement on Monday provided to Hutch Post by Sen. Rick Wilborn of McPherson.
The statement reads as follows:
"At this point, it appears over 100 elected state and legislative officials have received threatening letters filled with a suspicious powdery substance. Thankfully, the KDHE is saying the substance is presumptively negative for any biologicals. While this is certainly good news, it has nonetheless been a stressful last few days for our families and other citizens impacted by this cowardly attempt to intimidate the legislature. We urge all of our members to please remain vigilant and cautious when opening their mail as this case is still developing.
"We want to thank the leaders and agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement and fire departments, the Kansas National Guard, KDHE, the FBI, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and everyone else involved in the massive process of safely retrieving these envelopes. Many of these same people are also hard at work trying to find those behind this terrible act and we appreciate their expertise to quickly find those responsible and hold them accountable.
While we don't yet know who is behind this threat, our members will not be intimidated by extremists who look to undermine the will of the people we were elected to serve. We appreciate all of the prayers and support we've received from our Kansas communities and will continue to stand strong together to move forward.
Because this is an active investigation, we ask that all other inquiries be directed to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
___________________________________________TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and other partners, updated findings on the white powder found in letters sent to Kansas legislators and public officials.
As of Sunday evening June 18, approximately 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been received across the state of Kansas.
A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.
The investigation is ongoing. Nothing further will be released at this time.
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TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), and several local police departments and fire departments responded Friday after mail was received by legislators and other public officials containing a suspicious white powder, according to a media release from the KBI.
As of 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, over 30 letters containing a suspicious white powder have been reported across the state.
Junction City Republican Representative Jeff Underhill confirmed to the Post that he was one of the lawmakers to receive mail, but that he had received communication from legislative leadership about suspicious letters generally before going to his Post Office box.
He said a powder was folded up between the pages of a letter 'wishing him ill', and that in his case it appeared to come from a local address.
Republican Rep. Kenny Titus from Wamego also confirmed receipt of a letter on Friday, though he was unable to comment further on Friday.
McPherson Republican Sen. Rick Wilborn said he contacted the KBI about a piece of mail he received, as well, though he didn't open it after having received correspondence from the Senate President's office and Legislative Administrative Services alerting him to the possibility of suspicious mail.
Wilborn updated Hutch Post Saturday morning, saying that he had heard that 65 Republicans and Attorney General Kris Kobach had received letters as of Friday night.
Law enforcement is working to safely collect the letters and investigate the incidents. Currently, no injuries have been reported, but law enforcement asks everyone to remain vigilant in handling mail. Any similar incidents should be reported to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME.
Republican Rep. Paul Waggoner, who serves portions of Reno and McPherson Counties, sent Hutch Post two photos of the letter he received.
He said that the return address on his envelope, 4310 North Monroe, matched the address of the church he attends, Crossroads Christian Church and that it was 'very creepy'.
He compared the powder to flour, but doesn't know what it was.
Leadership told Waggoner to call the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which he did about 5 p.m. Friday.
Waggoner believes the mail may have come from transgender activists, saying, "They were the most negative and hateful mail we received all session."