Chairman Carper Thanks Law Enforcement, Screening Facility Employees for Swift Action in Mail Threats

WASHINGTON – Today, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement regarding the investigation of suspicious mail bound for Senate offices and the White House. Last night, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced an arrest had been made in the case:

“I appreciate the diligent efforts of law enforcement personnel as they quickly and thoroughly conducted their investigation as well as the prompt action of those who reported these suspicious packages to the proper authorities. Fortunately, following a series of similar incidents in the early 2000s, the U.S. Capitol and White House established a number of safety precautions to screen mail and catch potentially harmful materials early on in the delivery process. This system and the hard work and vigilance of law enforcement officials and others helped prevent a dangerous situation from becoming much worse. I hope that the U.S. Postal Service employees and others who may have come into contact with these letters continue to remain free of symptoms associated with exposure to Ricin. These incidents as well as the tragic bombing in Boston are an important reminder to us all that if you see something suspicious, say something.”