Dozens of letters with white powder sent to Kobach and other Kansas public officials
More than 30 letters containing a suspicious white powder have been sent to Kansas lawmakers and public officials, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said Friday. The recipients include Kansas Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach.
Tom Day, the director of Legislative Administrative Services, in an email to lawmakers on Friday said the Kansas Highway Patrol had alerted him to the situation around 1:30 p.m. that day. At that point, he said, KHP had obtained letters or packages from three or four lawmakers, in addition to Kobach’s office.
Kobach’s office confirmed to The Star it had received a suspicious letter and referred other questions to the KBI.
Just after 4 p.m., KBI spokeswoman Michelle Underwood released a statement saying so far 30 letters had been reported across the state. In addition to the KBI and the KHP, the FBI, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and local police and fire departments have been involved in the response to the letters.
“Law enforcement is working to safely collect the letters and investigate the incidents. Currently, no injuries have been reported, but we ask everyone to remain vigilant in handling mail,” the KBI statement said.
Day told legislators the letters had return addresses in Topeka and Kansas City and were turned over to the KBI and FBI.
A spokeswoman for House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said “several of our members have received envelopes.” She declined to comment further citing the ongoing investigation.
Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, sent a separate email to Kansas senators about the packages, warning them to be alert and use caution while opening mail.
“If you have something that looks odd, please contact the KBI prior to opening OR if you find a white substance, please call the KBI prior to handling,” Masterson said.
Masterson’s spokesman Mike Pirner said that, as of Friday afternoon, the office was not aware of any letters sent directly to Masterson. But he said the situation was still developing.
Gov. Laura Kelly’s spokeswoman Brianna Johnson said she was not aware of any packages received by the Democratic governor at this time.
This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 3:38 PM.
