Local lawmakers receive ‘suspicious’ envelopes reportedly as part of nationwide campaign

A “suspicious” envelope reportedly sent to U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s office in Skokie on Friday was one of several mailed to elected officials across the country, a social media post from the congresswoman states. 

Federal authorities are investigating “suspicious letters” sent to four Illinois representatives —  Schakowsky (D-9th), Brad Schneider (D-10th), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8th), Mike Quigley (D-5th) and Robin Kelly (D-2nd) — amid warnings in at least 19 other states, according to an ABC NEWS report. 

Some of the letters contained political threats, an unknown white powder and had common characteristics, such as processing out of North Texas and a postmark reading “Thinking of You,” according to the news station’s reporting.

In a Friday, Oct. 16, social media post, Schakowsky said her Skokie office, located at 4500 Oakton St., “received a suspicious envelope similar to those reported at other elected officials’ offices in Illinois and across the country.”

The House Sergeant at Arms apparently gave her team advanced warning so her staff did not open the suspicious mail, the post said. She thanked the Skokie Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police for quickly responding and assisting with the envelope.

“This will by no means deter me and my team from continuing our work and prioritizing the needs of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District,” Schakowsky’s post said. 

Likewise, Schneider posted a statement on Friday that said his Lincolnshire office received a threatening letter containing a suspicious substance. 

After contacting U.S. Capitol Police and the Lincolnshire Police Department, a hazmat team arrived at the representatives’ office, tested the letter, and confirmed it did not contain any harmful substances, according to Schneider’s post.

“The FBI is leading the investigations of these mailings nationwide. It is imperative that they follow all leads to apprehend and prosecute those responsible,” Schneider said.

“Anyone or any group who thinks they can scare or intimidate Members of Congress or our teams from doing our job and work on behalf of the people we represent is sorely mistaken.”

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Quigley’s Chicago office was also evacuated on Friday as a precaution when a suspicious letter arrived there. 

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the Illinois State Board of Elections evacuated its Chicago offices when they received a suspicious letter, and a similar envelope containing baking powder was delivered to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office in downtown Chicago, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

NPR reported that suspicious mail containing white powder has been sent to election officials and congressional offices in Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma.

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