Hazmat crews were called in after multiple county election offices in Washington State received envelopes filled with white powder. Authorities have confirmed that at least one envelope tested positive for fentanyl. The Renton Police Department is coordinating with the FBI in an ongoing investigation.
The incident was first reported when envelopes with white powder were discovered at several election offices across the state. Spokane County received the envelopes just before 10:30 a.m., followed by Pierce County at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday. Tacoma Fire was called to investigate the situation. Fortunately, no employees at the election offices were injured or became ill. The employee who opened the envelope immediately noticed the substance, placed a container over it, and activated the fire alarm to evacuate the building.
The envelope in question was opened with regular mail and was not found in a ballot, nor did it arrive with other ballots. Hazmat crews were called in to assess the situation, but operations have now resumed at the election offices. However, there may be a delay in ballot counting.
The Washington Secretary of State’s office is aware of the incidents in all four counties and confirms that these are the only locations to have received envelopes filled with the powder-like substance. The FBI will continue to investigate, and efforts will be made to determine if there is a connection between the incidents at different election locations.
No injuries have been reported in any of the counties. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by election offices in ensuring the safety and security of the electoral process.
