FBI Press Advisory

U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
450 Golden Gate Avenue, 13th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2008

Authorities Investigating White Powder Letter Received by Daly City Office

The Office of Thrift Supervision in Daly City, California yesterday received a letter containing a suspicious powder. Law enforcement and hazardous materials personnel responded immediately, and although field tests were negative authorities sent samples to a laboratory for further testing.

The Daly City letter has not yet been definitively linked to other incidents, but the FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and state and local authorities are investigating a series of letters sent to banks around the country. These threat letters contained a powder substance. So far all field tests on the powder have been negative, but additional testing is being conducted.

Sending even a hoax letter is a serious crime. If you have information about any of these incidents, please call the FBI at 415-553-7400, the United States Postal Inspection Service at 415-778-5800, or contact your local police department. Tips may be also submitted at www.fbi.gov. As this is an ongoing matter, we cannot discuss any further details.

Media inquiries may be directed to FBI Special Agent Joseph M. Schadler at 415-553-7450 or by email at joseph.schadler@ic.fbi.gov.