Summary
Federal prosecutors charged Oklahoma resident Robin Patrick Martin over alleged mailings of more than 700 white-powder letters to public officials and media outlets ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections. Authorities said the powder was nontoxic; investigators allege the letters contained threats and messages written in ink that is difficult to see.Key Facts
- Martin faces one federal count of conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes and one count of mailing threatening communications.
- The letters allegedly went to public officials of both parties and media outlets across the country.
- An FBI affidavit says Martin wrote about perceived problems with the 2020 election and concerns about the 2024 election.
- Some envelopes used return addresses associated with former Green Party and Democratic Socialists of America headquarters; the DSA cooperated with the FBI, according to the affidavit.
- Prosecutors allege that a message sent to the Oklahoma State Election Board before the 2024 election was matched to the later mailings through handwriting analysis.
- Investigators allege that letters sent in 2026 referred to the upcoming national elections and threatened recipients with arrest for treason or worse.
- Authorities allege surveillance footage showed Martin dropping off envelopes at a postal facility in 2024 and 2026.
- It was not immediately clear whether Martin had been taken into custody.
