Suspicious envelope sent to Florida congresswoman as similar incidents spread across the country

FLORIDA — October 19, 2026 — A suspicious envelope delivered to the South Florida office of U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz triggered a hazardous materials response Monday afternoon, just days after similar incidents involving other members of Congress in Florida and across the United States.

The incident occurred at the congresswoman’s district office at 777 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway in Sunrise, Broward County.

According to Sunrise Police, a staff member reported the suspicious envelope at approximately 3 p.m., prompting police and emergency crews to respond.

Hazardous materials personnel secured the envelope without opening it. Authorities said the contents remained unknown, but the package had been safely contained and there was no continuing threat to the surrounding area.

Wasserman Schultz was not present when the envelope was discovered.

The incident is the latest in a growing series of suspicious mail deliveries targeting elected officials and election-related offices nationwide.

Two Other Florida Congressmen Targeted Days Earlier

Just three days before Monday’s incident, two congressional offices in Central Florida reported receiving suspicious mail.

On Friday, October 16, U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost announced that his Orlando office had received a suspicious package resembling those reported elsewhere in the country.

The discovery prompted the evacuation of his office, while Orlando police, firefighters and federal authorities responded to investigate.

Frost confirmed that his staff members were safe.

Shortly afterward, U.S. Representative Darren Soto reported that an envelope containing a suspicious substance had been sent to his Kissimmee office.

Local law enforcement intercepted the envelope, and no staff members were injured.

Soto said his office had received advance warning from Frost’s team, allowing employees to take precautions.

The incidents in Orlando, Kissimmee and Sunrise have raised new questions about the security of congressional offices as the November midterm elections approach.

FBI Investigating Suspicious Letters Nationwide

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating a broader series of suspicious mailings sent to congressional offices and election officials across the country.

Some of the letters have reportedly contained an unidentified white powder, prompting emergency responses and precautionary safety measures.

Among the elected officials whose offices have been targeted are Democratic lawmakers in several states, including California and Michigan.

In Michigan, Representative Hillary Scholten reported that her Grand Rapids office received a threatening letter containing white powder and references to a possible civil conflict following the upcoming election.

Federal authorities are attempting to identify who sent the letters and whether the incidents are connected.

Investigators have not publicly established that the envelope delivered to Wasserman Schultz’s office came from the same sender as the other suspicious mailings.

Authorities Say No Hazardous Substance Has Been Confirmed in Congressional Letters

Despite the alarming circumstances, federal security officials said Monday that none of the suspicious letters received by congressional offices had been determined to contain hazardous substances.

That finding does not mean the investigation is over.

Authorities continue to examine the mailings, trace their origins and determine whether the incidents represent a coordinated effort to intimidate public officials.

Security personnel have also warned congressional offices that additional suspicious letters could arrive.

Growing Concerns Ahead of November Elections

The incidents come as the United States prepares for the November 3 midterm elections, when voters will decide congressional races and numerous state and local contests.

Election administrators and lawmakers have expressed concern that suspicious mailings can disrupt government operations, frighten employees and undermine confidence in public institutions.

Even when a substance ultimately proves harmless, emergency responses may require evacuations, specialized equipment and investigations involving multiple agencies.

The latest incident in Sunrise adds South Florida to a growing list of locations affected by the suspicious mailings.

For now, investigators have not announced an arrest or publicly identified the person or people responsible.

Authorities are expected to continue examining the envelopes and investigating their origins.

DUANEWS will continue following developments in Florida and across the country as investigators work to determine who is behind the suspicious mailings.