Scholten’s Grand Rapids office receives threatening letter containing unidentified white powder

U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) says her office in Grand Rapids received a threatening letter containing unidentified white powder, prompting responses from local police and the FBI.

In a news release issued late Friday afternoon, Scholten said the letter, which purported to be from the Democratic Socialists of America, referenced an impending “civil war” following the election. The statement said the letter was similar to others sent to congressional offices across the country.

Scholten, a Democrat representing Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District centered around Grand Rapids, said her staff and first responders were her primary concern following the incident.

“My first thoughts today are with my staff who opened the mail and the first responders on the scene,” Scholten said. “Everyone is safe.”

Scholten said the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the incident, and that the substance found in the letter had not been identified.

Scholten called on the Democratic Socialists of America to condemn the threats made in its name or deny responsibility if the organization was not involved. She also criticized what she described as the group’s failure to adequately address extremism.

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“Even as law enforcement works to verify the authenticity of these letters sent to congressional offices, it is the responsibility of the DSA to condemn these threats done in its name—and to refute responsibility if there is none. Unfortunately, this is another instance where the DSA has excused or ignored extremism,” Scholten said.

The congresswoman said threats and political violence should be rejected regardless of political affiliation.

“Regardless of party or origin, extremism must be rejected, condemned, and removed from our political discourse,” Scholten said.

She added that she and her staff would continue serving residents of West Michigan.

A request for comment was made by Michigan Advance to the Democratic Socialists of America. This story will be updated once a response is received.

The incident comes amid reports of similar incidents around the country. NPR reported Thursday on suspicious mailings sent to election officials in Louisiana, Ohio and Oklahoma ahead of the election, as well as the offices of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California).