Rep. Steny Hoyer Thanks At-Risk Maryland Postal Workers in Ricin Case

Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-MD, (Dist. 5) on Wednesday thanked Maryland postal workers, some of whom may face increased risk in cases of dangerous substances being mailed in threats against Washington officials.

Federal investigators searched a mail sorting facility in Prince George's County Tuesday night for clues to the origins of a ricin-laced letter sent to Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, according to The Washington Post.

The U.S. Senate's mail sorting operation is located at 6330 Columbia Park Road in Landover. An FBI spokesperson would not divulge the location of the bureau's investigation, but several outlets published images of hazmat trucks parked outside of the Landover facility on Tuesday.

Hoyer issued the following statement thanking Maryland postal workers late Wednesday:

As Capitol Police and the FBI continue investigating suspicious letters sent through the Postal Service to government offices, I’d like to thank our postal workers at facilities in Maryland for their hard work and diligence. Their selfless work has prevented government officials and staff from exposure to life-threatening contamination. I will continue to monitor the situation, and remain committed to the safety and well-being of our postal workers, law enforcement, and others who work to keep us safe.