Man charged with sending four letters containing white granular substance

Federal authorities charged an Illinois man with mailing four letters containing a white granular substance to members of Congress.

The timeline of the case began on October 16 when the FBI received an anonymous online tip. The informant claimed to have overheard Matthew Unglesbee discussing plans to mail a suspicious substance to lawmakers. Three days later, the letters arrived at the offices of four members of Congress. Each envelope bore Unglesbee's name and home address.

Unglesbee is now facing two counts: false information and hoaxes, and mailing threatening communications. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in court on Monday afternoon. The FBI is separately investigating other suspicious mailings that have reached congressional offices and elections officials in recent weeks.

In an interview with FBI personnel on Sunday, Unglesbee allegedly admitted to mailing the four letters after hearing about other threats sent earlier in the month. He stated that the granular substance was salt, which he noted "kind of looks like" anthrax. He also told agents that he knew people would perceive the letters as dangerous. Unglesbee denied being involved in the prior mailings.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., confirmed she was aware of reports regarding a suspect's custody in connection with a suspicious letter sent to her district office. She received a second suspicious letter on October 21. In a statement, Schakowsky said she will not let threats stand in the way of serving the people of the 9th District.

A search of Unglesbee's residence revealed a fifth envelope that was unmailed and empty. That envelope was addressed to a member of Congress.