Federal authorities arrested Illinois man over alleged white-powder letters to Congress
Illinois man Matthew G. Unglesbee was arrested after allegedly mailing white-powder letters to four members of Congress, authorities said. He admitted sending the letters and told agents the substance was salt, selected because it looked like anthrax, according to an FBI affidavit; he said he was joking. NBC News reported the envelopes bore his name and home address.
More context
Matthew G. Unglesbee, an Illinois man, was arrested Sunday on federal charges over allegedly mailing four letters containing white powder to members of Congress. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois said a criminal complaint unsealed Monday charged him with false information and hoaxes and mailing threatening communications. An FBI affidavit said the letters were postmarked in Springfield on Oct. 19 and included handwritten notes such as “HAH enjoy the gift.” Agents said Unglesbee admitted sending the letters after hearing someone in a restaurant discuss news reports about earlier suspicious mailings. He told agents the substance was salt, chosen because it “kind of looks like anthrax since it’s white.” He said he was joking but acknowledged recipients could perceive the letters as threats. NBC News reported that Unglesbee’s name and home address appeared on the envelopes.
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Reporting
- NewsNation — Illinois man charged over white powder letters to Congress
- The Guardian — Illinois man arrested after allegedly sending suspicious powder to Congress members using his return address
- BNO News — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to 4 members of Congress - BNO News
- NBC News — Man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress
- pressdemocrat.com — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress
- wqad.com — Quincy, Illinois man charged after congressional offices receive letters with white powder
- suntimes.com — Feds say Quincy man mailed letters containing white powder to members of Illinois congressional delegation - Chicago Sun-Times
Verifier’s note
All seven results report the arrest or federal case involving Matthew Unglesbee and letters containing white powder sent to members of Congress. The reports are dated Oct. 26–27, 2026, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.