Package with ‘suspicious substance’ intended for Kaptur’s office intercepted by USPS, congressional office says

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s Toledo office was among those targeted with a suspicious package, according to her congressional office.

A statement from Kaptur’s communications director on Friday said someone sent a package with a “suspicious substance” in it to her Toledo office, but it was intercepted by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The announcement comes as federal investigators investigate a string of mail to congressional and election offices across the country that raised red flags last week.

13 Action News reached out to local and federal investigators to learn more.

“The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices, and congressional offices,” a statement form the FBI Cleveland office said. “Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident. We are also working with our partners to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. This FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to safeguard the public and secure elections for American citizens.”

The statement from Kaptur’s office said mail to her office was being held at a local USPS location as a precaution and the package was intercepted.

“Acts of terror, harm, and intimidation have no place in our democracy and cannot be lightly dismissed,” Kaptur’s Communications Director, Ben Kamens, said in a statement. “In the meantime both our Washington, and Northwest Ohio offices remain open and fully functional and will continue to serve those we represent day in and day out.”

Kaptur’s office said its staff will work with local and federal authorities on the investigation.