Word of Warning

Special Report: Word of Warning

The Homeland Security Department uses a special information network, a secure Internet portal for sharing intelligence accessed by top security officials in every state.

When the first "rigged" letter was received that system sounded the alarm.

We have obtained the text of that warning, though officials insisted on making deletions to prevent compromising their investigation. It indicates the scope of the mailings may be even bigger.

The bulletin says the letters originated at the state prison in Ely, Montana. Officials there report two inmates, whose names are on the envelopes, are undergoing questioning right now.

More from the text of the feds' warning, "at this time we do not know how many total letters have been mailed or to whom they have been sent. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspectors have (deletion) and continue to investigate."

It goes on to warn, "if your governor's office receives one of these letters, use caution and do not open it; instead notify task force leader, postal inspector (deletion), the watch desk at (deletion) and the state and local watch desk (deletion)."

Seven of the nine governors receiving the letter so far are republicans. Sources in Washington are describing this as a criminal domestic issue, not a homeland security issue.

Segment Information

Reported by:

Hank Phillippi Ryan

Contact:

HRyan@whdh.com

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