FBI Arrests Suspect in Election Threat Scare

Federal authorities arrested an Oklahoma City man accused of mailing hundreds of letters containing white powder to public officials and election offices. Robin Patrick Martin, 67, faces charges of conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes as well as mailing threatening communications.

The FBI linked more than 700 suspicious mailings sent in 2026 to the same sender. The letters targeted state election boards, members of Congress from both parties, pollsters, media outlets, and the FBI itself. Many were intercepted before reaching recipients.

The investigation dates to September 2024, when election officials nationwide reported receiving letters with white powder and a three-page document titled “DECLARATION OF WAR.” Similar mailings reached officials in all 50 states. Testing showed the powder in examined letters was nonhazardous, such as yeast or flour, though not all samples had been fully analyzed.

The letters referenced concerns about the 2020 election and claimed that President Donald Trump had won that contest. They warned of further mailings if demands went unmet and stated that the next round “won’t be flour next time.” Some contained messages visible only under ultraviolet light.

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the suspect had avoided detection earlier. “The alleged subject had avoided authorities until now — as the Biden administration failed to catch him — but this FBI got it done,” Patel said. He added that anyone attempting to undermine free and fair elections by threatening officials would face justice.

Surveillance footage captured a vehicle tied to Martin at Postal Service mailboxes in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio. Fingerprints matching Martin were found on a letter addressed to Patel. Investigators also connected him to purchases of turmeric and vinegar, substances that can produce ultraviolet-visible writing.

The mailings listed a return address associated with the “United States Traitor Elimination Army” in Takoma Park, Maryland. Postal inspectors and partner agencies recovered the majority of the 2026 letters before delivery. Several Senate offices reported receiving or being targeted by the suspicious mail.

Martin appeared in federal court in Oklahoma City for his initial appearance. The charges stem from a nationwide probe that intensified ahead of the 2026 midterms. Authorities had advised recipients to treat the envelopes as potentially hazardous while testing continued.

The case involves coordination among the FBI’s Oklahoma City field office, the Criminal Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Capitol Police, and local Oklahoma City police. No hazardous biological or chemical agents were identified in the tested substances.

The letters expressed grievances over election integrity and threatened expanded distribution. Officials noted that the powder created disruption and fear even though laboratory results indicated it was not dangerous in the samples examined.

The arrest occurred as investigators closed in on the source of the multi-year campaign of mailings. The suspect is accused of attempting to intimidate election administrators and other public figures during successive election cycles.

Federal law enforcement emphasized that the actions violated statutes against hoaxes and threats transmitted by mail. The probe continues to assess the full scope of the mailings and any remaining untested materials.