Federal authorities charged Robin Patrick Martin, of Oklahoma City, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, for allegedly mailing more than 700 letters containing white powder to public officials and media outlets. The mailings occurred ahead of the 2024 and 2026 elections, according to charging documents. Investigators stated the substances, which included flour and yeast, were nontoxic, though testing on all envelopes is not yet complete.
The investigation began in 2024 after election offices in several states reported receiving mail containing suspicious powder and letters declaring war. Martin was arrested on Monday, Nov. 2, and is charged with one count of conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes, and one count of mailing threatening communications. He was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City on Tuesday afternoon.
According to an FBI affidavit, Martin's writings referenced an organization called the "United States Traitor Elimination Army" and contained warnings about treason. The affidavit noted that Martin expressed concerns regarding the 2020 election and claimed that Donald Trump had won. Some letters featured messages written in UV-reactive ink that warned recipients to "stay on the right side of history" because their lives "might depend on it."
Surveillance footage and retail records were used to link Martin to the mailings. Federal agents alleged that Martin was seen dropping envelopes at U.S. Postal Service (USPS) facilities in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and San Antonio. Records from Walmart showed Martin purchased common household goods, such as turmeric and vinegar, to create invisible ink in August. Additionally, investigators matched fingerprints from a letter addressed to FBI Director Kash Patel to Martin.
For those working in congressional or election offices, the immediate effect was a disruption of mail processing. The Senate Sergeant at Arms issued notices to congressional staff warning that while law enforcement was working to intercept the mail, some letters might still reach their destinations. Hundreds of public employees were urged to exercise caution with correspondence received during the period surrounding the Nov. 3 election.
While the substances were found to be nonhazardous, the threat of treason mentioned in the letters triggered federal "hoax" and "threatening communications" charges. What happens next is Martin's legal proceedings in the Western District of Oklahoma; as of Nov. 3, 2026, online records did not yet list a defense attorney for him. Testing continues on the remainder of the seized envelopes.