FBI Investigating After Packages Containing White Powder Sent to NC Elections Board

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation after packages containing a white powdery substance were sent to the North Carolina Board of Elections over the weekend. The board confirmed the incident during a virtual press briefing on Monday morning.

According to officials, the packages were identified at a state mail service center in Raleigh. Emergency crews responded promptly and tested the substance over the weekend, confirming that no one was injured.

In response to the incident, state board staff are now taking extra precautions, including wearing protective gloves when handling mail. The state board has also distributed training and guidance materials to the 100 county boards of election to ensure they are prepared to respond to similar threats.

This investigation is part of a broader probe by the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which began last week after similar suspicious packages were sent to election officials in more than 15 states. According to The Associated Press, states affected include Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, and Rhode Island. Mississippi authorities reported receiving a package last Monday, while the FBI alerted the Connecticut Secretary of State’s office about an intercepted package.

With this latest incident, North Carolina becomes the 20th state to face this type of threat as the 2024 election approaches in November.