UPDATE: Delaware State Election Commissioner’s Office Relocated Amid Suspicious Mail Investigation

UPDATE: Officials say the Delaware Department of Elections (DOE) State Election Commissioner’s Office in Dover has been temporarily relocated as the investigation of Thursday’s suspicious mail incident continues. 

While the Commissioner’s Office and all DOE offices statewide have resumed normal operations, the State Election Commissioner’s Office will operate out of the DOE Kent County Office until further notice. All election preparations are expected to continue without interruption. 

Officials added that the FBI has taken over the investigation, and the Commissioner’s Office building has been closed until further notice by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.  The United States Postal Inspection Service is testing the envelope and its contents.

Additionally, on Thursday evening just after 5:30 p.m., U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester’s (D-DE) Office said they also received mail with a suspicious substance. 

The announcement was brief, stating in full, “Senator Blunt Rochester’s office was sent a letter with a suspicious substance. The letter was intercepted by Capitol Police and taken for investigation. Thanks to existing safety protocols and the swift action taken by the officers, neither the Senator nor her staff are in any immediate danger.”

It is currently unclear which of Senator Blunt Rochester’s offices received the suspicious mail. No update has been provided by Blunt Rochester’s Office about the incident since the initial statement.

DOVER, Del. – Authorities are investigating after suspicions mail was sent to the State Election Commissioner’s Office of the Delaware Department of Elections (DOE) in Dover. 

On Thursday, Oct. 15, around 2:00 p.m., authorities say an employee in the State Election Commissioner’s Office received and opened an envelope, which was discovered to contain a white powdery substance. Details about the substance have not been revealed at this time. 

Staff members reportedly followed security and United States Postal Service instructions on handling suspicious mail. The envelope was isolated, staff members were decontaminated and evacuated, and the HVAC system was shut down. Additionally, state and federal law enforcement, amongst other partners, arrived at the office to conduct an investigation into the incident and test the substance. 

All election offices statewide have sent their non-essential state employees home in an abundance of caution.

The Delaware DOE says additional information will be provided to the public as soon as it is available.

This article was originally posted on Oct. 15 at 4:57 p.m.