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

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

  • Motorola Solutions Named Official Safety Technology Supplier of the Ryder Cup through 2027

    Motorola Solutions has today been named the Official Safety Technology Supplier of the 2025 and 2027 Ryder Cup, professional golf’s renowned biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. Read Now

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.