An investigation involving numerous law enforcement and fire officials at the local, state and/or federal levels is ongoing after several lawmakers and public officials received letters containing a suspicious white powder.
The investigation currently involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Highway Patrol and several currently-unspecified police and fire departments. At this time, Emporia Police has not confirmed its involvement, while Emporia Fire says it has been briefed but is not actively involved.
House 76th District Representative Eric Smith, who also serves as Coffey County’s undersheriff, confirms he received a suspicious letter and turned it over to the KBI for additional investigation but is declining further comment.
4:45 pm Friday: KBI, numerous other law enforcement agencies investigating letters with suspicious powder mailed to lawmakers, other public officials
Law enforcement and fire officials at the local, state and/or federal levels are investigating after several lawmakers and public officials received letters containing a suspicious white powder.
The investigation currently involves the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal, Kansas Highway Patrol and several currently-unspecified police and fire departments.
The KBI says over 30 suspicious letters have been reported as of 4 pm Friday. Besides the powder, the contents of these letters have not been divulged. At this point, there has been no confirmation of such letters being sent to local officials or lawmakers representing Lyon County.
Authorities are working to collect the letters in a safe manner and investigate. So far, no injuries have been reported.
If you have received a letter with a suspicious white powder, call the KBI at 800-KS-CRIME.
