Suspicious Packages Prompt Nationwide Security Response

Suspicious Packages Prompt Nationwide Security Response

The wave of suspicious packages appears to be the biggest threat of a mail-based terror plot since the Anthrax attacks in the weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, which killed five people.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • Oct 26, 2018

[UPDATED Oct. 26, 2018, 8:24 a.m.]

Apparent package bombs sent to prominent political figures and a news organization Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have mailrooms strengthening their mail screening procedures. The wave of suspicious packages appears to be the biggest threat of a mail-based terror plot since the Anthrax attacks in the weeks after Sept. 11, 2001, which killed five people.

Since Wednesday morning, the FBI has intercepted multiple manila envelopes containing an explosive device. The suspicious packages have been addressed to the following:

  • Philanthropist George Soros
  • Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
  • Former President Barack Obama
  • CNN/Former CIA Director John Brennan
  • Former Attorney General Eric Holder (This package was returned to the sender, had been labeled as Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
  • Rep. Maxine Waters
  • Former Vice President Joe Biden
  • Actor Robert De Niro
  • Sen. Cory Booker
  • Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper

The attacks have led the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies to step up their procedures for mail-screening. In the agency’s annual report, USPS said it responded to 2,282 suspicious packages in the U.S. last year.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service did not comment on how it detects bombs sent through the mail, because it would “compromise the effectiveness of our investigative methods.”

According to security experts, mailrooms should look for signs of a suspicious package: too much postage, a missing or fake return address, or demands that the package be opened only by a specific person.

For example, several of the packages discovered Wednesday had the return address of Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former head of the Democratic National Committee, and at least one was rerouted to her office in Florida.

Mail addressed to government agencies is often screen off-site before delivery. All mail addressed to ZIP codes 20201 (the Department of Health and Human Service) through 20599 (the Presidential Inaugural Committee) is irradiated to kill off potential biological attacks.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces The Govies Government Security Award Winners for 2025

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 winners in The Govies Government Security Awards. The awards honor outstanding government security products in a variety of categories. Read Now

  • Survey: 60 Percent of Organizations Using AI in IT Infrastructure

    Netwrix, a cybersecurity provider focused on data and identity threats, today announced the release of its annual global 2025 Cybersecurity Trends Report based on a global survey of 2,150 IT and security professionals from 121 countries. It reveals that 60% of organizations are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in their IT infrastructure and 30% are considering implementing AI. Read Now

  • New Research Reveals Global Video Surveillance Industry Perspectives on AI

    Axis Communications, the global industry leader in video surveillance, has released its latest research report, ‘The State of AI in Video Surveillance,’ which explores global industry perspectives on the use of AI in the security industry and beyond. The report reveals current attitudes on AI technologies thanks to in-depth interviews with AI experts from Axis’ global network and a comprehensive survey of more than 5,800 respondents, including distributors, channel partners, and end customers across 68 countries. The resulting insights cover AI integration and the opportunities and challenges that exist with regard to security, safety, business intelligence, and operational efficiency. Read Now

  • SIA Urges Tariff Relief for Security Industry Products

    Today, the Security Industry Association has sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick requesting relief from tariffs for security industry products and asking that the Trump administration formulate a process that allows companies to apply for product-specific exemptions. The security industry is an important segment of the U.S. economy, contributing over $430 billion in total economic impact and supporting over 2.1 million jobs. Read Now

  • Report Shows Cybercriminals Continue Pivot to Stealthier Tactics

    IBM recently released the 2025 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index highlighting that cybercriminals continued to pivot to stealthier tactics, with lower-profile credential theft spiking, while ransomware attacks on enterprises declined. IBM X-Force observed an 84% increase in emails delivering infostealers in 2024 compared to the prior year, a method threat actors relied heavily on to scale identity attacks. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.