BENTON, La. — The FBI has taken the lead in an investigation stemming from a letter received by the Cypress Baptist Church south of Benton, La., containing a white powder-like substance as first reported by KTBS on Monday.
According to the FBI, field tests analyzing the substance have come back negative, but additional testing will be completed at local laboratories.
Johnson's press secretary Griffin Neal released a statement confirming a suspicious package was sent to the Bossier Parish church, which shares the same 4701 Palmetto Road business address as Onward Christian Counseling Services, which is registered to the Speaker's wife Kelly Johnson.
"Earlier today, Speaker Johnson was made aware of a suspicious package sent to his home church in Louisiana. Speaker Johnson and the Johnson family thank U.S. Capitol Police, the FBI, the Louisiana State Police and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office for taking swift action and handling the situation professionally. As the investigation is ongoing, we will refer all further questions to law enforcement handling this matter.”
In a release received by WWL Louisiana on Monday afternoon, the FBI firmly stated that even sending a hoax letter is a serious crime.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or local authorities.
This is an ongoing investigation and this story will be updated accordingly.
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