US Man Charged Over Two-Year Campaign of Threatening Mail Sent to Election Officials

Robin Patrick Martin of Oklahoma has been charged with conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes, as well as mailing threatening communications. The charges allege a nationwide effort to intimidate election officials and support President Donald Trump. Starting on Sept. 16, 2024, state election officials reported receiving mail containing a white, powdery substance and a three-page letter headed "DECLARATION OF WAR." Over the past two years, officials in nearly every state have received similar mailings. Some evidence came from election officials, while federal authorities intercepted other letters in transit.

The letters carried a return address for "The United States Traitor Elimination Army" in Takoma Park, Maryland. Some envelopes had threatening messages that could only be seen under ultraviolet light. The letters referred to the belief, promoted by some Trump supporters, that the 2020 election was marred by voter fraud, along with similar concerns about 2024. The case was first reported by the Associated Press.

Investigators subpoenaed email and phone records listed for the return address and tied them to a burner phone bought at a Walmart Supercenter in Oklahoma City. Surveillance video showed a man matching Martin's description buying the phone and driving away in a car registered to him. Other items bought at the same store pointed to Martin, including stamps, privacy envelopes, and household items used to make invisible ink. Phone records also placed him at several postal distribution centres in the state.