FBI arrests man for sending over 700 threatening letters to US officials

What the report says

The FBI has arrested a 67-year-old Oklahoma City man, Robin Patrick Martin, in connection with a large wave of threatening mail sent to US officials, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on Associated Press material. Prosecutors say he faces federal charges including conveying false information and mailing threatening communications after allegedly sending more than 700 letters to state and federal recipients, including members of Congress and election-related figures. The letters reportedly contained a white powder that early tests identified as nonhazardous, along with warnings about treason and election integrity.

Martin appeared in US district court for the first time on Tuesday, one day after his arrest. An FBI affidavit cited in the report says the letters repeated false claims that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election and warned recipients they could face arrest “or worse.” Investigators say the mailings also referred to fears that similar issues could affect the then-upcoming 2024 election. The letters were allegedly sent under a fictional group name, and the case includes evidence the FBI says links Martin to postal locations in Oklahoma City, Dallas and San Antonio.

The report places the case in the broader context of false election claims that have circulated in US politics since 2020. Those claims have repeatedly been rejected by election officials and courts. The alleged mail campaign drew renewed attention as the country headed into midterm elections, with investigators also examining related messages sent to the Democratic Socialists of America, which echoed the same accusations of treason.