An Illinois man is facing federal charges after allegedly mailing four letters containing a suspicious white substance to members of Congress, according to NBC News. The envelopes included handwritten messages, including one that read “HA HA” and another that said, “HAH enjoy the gift.”
Matthew Unglesbee was charged with providing false information and perpetrating hoaxes, as well as mailing threatening communications. According to the FBI, he allegedly admitted to sending the letters during an interview with investigators.
The case began after an anonymous tipster contacted the FBI. The person reportedly said they had overheard Unglesbee discussing plans to mail a suspicious substance to members of Congress. They also provided Unglesbee’s full name and address. Three days later, the letters arrived at congressional offices, prompting an investigation.
The FBI says the substance was salt
During his interview with FBI personnel, Unglesbee allegedly acknowledged that he knew recipients would perceive the letters as dangerous. However, he reportedly told investigators that the white granular substance inside the envelopes was salt, which he said “kind of looks like” anthrax. Unglesbee later claimed that “he was joking,” but the recipients would not know that and would consider it a threat.
Authorities said Unglesbee admitted to mailing four letters to four members of Congress after hearing about other suspicious mailings earlier in the month. He denied having any involvement in those earlier incidents, which are being investigated separately. The FBI also reported finding a fifth envelope at Unglesbee’s residence during a search. The empty, unmailed envelope was addressed to another member of Congress.
Representative Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat from Illinois, confirmed in a statement to have received the second letter: “Today, my Skokie office received another suspicious letter. When my staff noticed something unusual about the envelope, they once again immediately alerted authorities out of an abundance of caution.” She also added that she was aware of reports that a suspect had been taken into custody in connection with the letter.
“I will not let threats stand in the way of serving the people of the 9th District,” Schakowsky said, thanking law enforcement for its work. She added that her team would continue providing services to constituents.
The case comes as federal authorities investigate other letters containing suspicious substances that were sent to members of Congress and election officials with the midterm elections just around the corner. Investigators have not linked Unglesbee to those separate mailings, and he has denied involvement.
Published: Oct 28, 2026 10:00 am