Orlando police and U.S. Capitol Police evacuated the Orlando office of Rep. Maxwell Frost on Friday after staff received a suspicious package, according to a press release cited by WESH. Frost confirmed that he and his staff were safe and that the evacuation was a precautionary measure while authorities investigated the item.
“Today, my office received a suspicious package matching those reported by other offices across the country. As a precaution, our office has been evacuated. U.S. Capitol Police and the Orlando Police Department have been notified, and the appropriate authorities are responding,” Frost said in the release.
Congressman Darren Soto, whose district includes nearby Kissimmee, also reported that law enforcement intercepted an envelope with a suspicious substance that his office had just received. “Congressman Frost’s office gave us advance notice to monitor our mail. The envelope was intercepted by local law enforcement,” Soto posted on social media, adding that federal, state and local agencies are cooperating on the investigation.
Federal investigators are examining dozens of similar letters containing suspicious substances that have been mailed to congressional offices and state election officials in the weeks leading up to the upcoming election, NBC News reported. The targeted locations include the offices of several Democratic senators, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, and the offices of Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
Election offices in at least 15 states—Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin—have also reported receiving suspicious packages, according to NBC News.
Law enforcement agencies have not released details about the contents of the packages, and no arrests have been announced. The investigation remains ongoing, with federal authorities coordinating efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious mail to local authorities. The situation underscores heightened security concerns as the nation approaches Election Day.
Sources: wesh.com
