Topeka Offices Evacuated After Suspicious Packages Sent to State Agencies; Similar Incidents Reported Nationwide

On Monday, authorities evacuated a downtown Topeka building after suspicious packages were sent to both the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office. One package was similar to others sent to election offices in different states, which contained harmless white powder.

The FBI was called to handle a larger package at the Attorney General’s Office, though it’s unclear if the same person sent both packages. Topeka police reported that several pieces of mail had unknown substances, but initial field tests showed no hazardous materials. Further testing is planned. The two packages arrived at Memorial Hall, which houses both offices, about 30 minutes apart.

Similar incidents occurred elsewhere, with suspicious packages sent to election offices in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. In Oklahoma and Iowa, the packages were determined to be harmless after testing.

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