Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, said Tuesday that his office received a suspicious letter containing a powdery substance, but no staff members were harmed.

Costa said the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded to the incident.

“This week, my office received a suspicious letter containing a powdery substance. Thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of our U.S. Postal Inspection Service, local law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police, my staff was safe and unharmed,” Costa said in a social media post.

The substance remains under forensic analysis, Costa said. He did not specify which of his offices received the letter or when it arrived.

“While the nature of this letter is still under forensic analysis, let me be clear: any attempts to instill fear and intimidation will not deter my dedicated staff and me from working for the people of our Valley,” Costa said.

Federal Authorities Investigating Suspicious Letters Nationwide

The incident comes amid a nationwide investigation into suspicious letters sent to congressional offices and state election officials.

Federal authorities are investigating dozens of letters containing unknown substances, including white powder, according to NBC News. The mailings have targeted Democratic and Republican lawmakers as well as election offices across the country.

The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Capitol Police have been involved in investigating the mailings, which have raised security concerns ahead of the November midterm elections.

Authorities are working to identify those responsible for sending the letters. It remains unclear whether the letter received by Costa’s office is connected to the other incidents.

Costa said his office would continue cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.

“No matter the circumstance, we remain committed to serving California’s 21st Congressional District. We will continue to work with law enforcement as the investigation continues,” Costa said.

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