Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Robin Martin, a 67-year-old man charged with sending threatening letters containing non-hazardous white powder to hundreds of government officials and election offices, has been released from jail with a GPS monitor. According to KOKH, Martin is charged in Oklahoma City federal court with conveying a hoax and mailing threatening communications. He is also ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.
The FBI has been investigating Martin since 2024, when election officials across the country began receiving letters with a white substance and ominous warnings. The powder was identified as non-hazardous, typically yeast or flour, though not all letters have been fully tested, PBS NewsHour reports.
The letters, addressed to election officials, members of Congress, and media outlets, contained messages about upcoming arrests for treason. The FBI found video evidence of Martin's car at mailboxes in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio, and his fingerprints were discovered on a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Martin reportedly told investigators that his intent was to force an increase in security at polling places. The investigation revealed that more than 700 mailings were connected to Martin, according to Politico.
The letters led to evacuations of election offices in several states, including Louisiana and Oklahoma. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service continue to work on the investigation, and Martin is expected to appear in court in Oklahoma City.