Oklahoma man arrested for mailing white powder letters to officials
Federal agents took Robin Patrick Martin into custody after a two-year probe into threats sent to election boards and lawmakers.
By Adrian Parker ·
Robin Patrick Martin, 67, of Oklahoma City, was arrested by federal agents on Monday. He is charged with sending hundreds of threatening letters containing white powder to public officials. The white powder was tested and found to be non-hazardous.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service began investigating the letters in 2024. The correspondence was sent to state election boards, members of Congress, election pollsters, and media organizations. Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows Martin stopping at Postal Service mailboxes in Dallas, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City in October.
Martin faces charges for conveying false or misleading information and hoaxes, as well as mailing threatening communications. Federal officials described the actions as a calculated effort to terrorize public servants. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the officials opened the letters not knowing if the powder could sicken or kill them.
Eisenberg stated that the evident intent was to undermine the democratic process. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the agencies involved in the arrest. Patel noted that Martin had avoided authorities until now. He added that anyone who attempts to undermine the election process by breaking laws and threatening officials will be brought to justice.
Martin made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shon Erwin in Oklahoma City on Monday. The case is part of a White House-directed initiative targeting political violence. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Department of Justice provided the information regarding the arrest and the charges. Martin is currently in custody pending further proceedings.
