Arrest Regarding White Powder Letter Mailings to Members of Congress

This morning, Christopher Lee Carlson, age 39, was arrested at a home in the Portland-Vancouver metro area. Carlson, who lived at the home, faces charges related to the mailing of a threatening communication and threatened use of a biological weapon.

This arrest is the result of a joint investigation between the U.S. Capitol Police and our law enforcement partners in the FBI, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Over the past few weeks, these agencies have recovered a number of threatening letters sent to U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives. To date, all letters have tested negative for toxic substances.

If there are any questions about these events or our security procedures, you may contact the United States Capitol Police Public Information Office at 202-224-1677.

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