Oklahoma Man Charged Over 700 Envelopes With White Powder Sent to Officials

Federal unsealed charging documents released Tuesday accuse an Oklahoma man of sending more than 700 envelopes containing white powder to public officials and media outlets. The envelopes were mailed in the periods leading up to both the 2024 and 2026 elections. Prosecutors identified the sender as Robin Patrick Martin.

Martin faces one count of conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes and one count of mailing threatening communications. Authorities determined the powder inside the envelopes was nontoxic. The letters also contained messages written in UV-reactive ink that was difficult to see without special light.

An FBI affidavit notes that Martin described issues with the 2020 election and claimed Donald Trump won that race. He reportedly voiced concerns that similar problems were recurring in the 2024 cycle. Investigators found that some return addresses on the mailings were linked to former headquarters of the Green Party of the United States and the Democratic Socialists of America. The DSA stated it has cooperated with the FBI in the investigation.

In one envelope addressed to the Oklahoma State Election Board before the 2024 vote, Martin allegedly wrote, "stay on the right side of history your life might depend on it!" Federal prosecutors said handwriting analysis matched that message to the new batch of letters sent in 2026. The affidavit states that all 2026 letters pertained to the upcoming national elections.

Martin allegedly invoked an organization called the United States Traitor Elimination Army in his writings. He threatened recipients with arrest for treason "OR WORSE!!" Investigators intercepted a message allegedly sent by Martin to FBI Director Kash Patel. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Martin dropping off envelopes at a U.S. Postal Service facility in both 2024 and 2026.

Records reviewed by law enforcement show Martin purchased mailing supplies and ingredients for the invisible ink in August of this year. Brendan Donahue, deputy chief inspector at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, said suspicious mailings had been sent to various addresses nationwide last month. These included secretary of state offices and related election offices. Dozens of members of Congress and election officials reported being targeted. The Senate sergeant at arms issued a notice to congressional staff regarding the investigation. It was not immediately clear if Martin had been taken into custody. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.