https://nitter.click/RepScholten/status/2111230626921615634#m
Today, I received a threatening letter at my Grand Rapids, Michigan office that contained unidentified white powder. The letter, which claimed to be from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), made a direct and specific reference to an impending “civil war” beginning after the election. The letter sent to my office is similar to those received at other congressional offices across the country. The DSA has not yet addressed the attacks, either to condemn them or to take or deny responsibility. The Grand Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded immediately.
Threats and extremism are not signs of strength—they are signs of a weak mind and weak character. Political intimidation has no place in our democracy, and leaders must condemn it, not excuse it. I’ll keep standing up to bullies on the right and the left.
https://archive.is/N403L (congress gov website)
October 16, 2026 Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Today, Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) received a threatening letter at her Grand Rapids, Michigan office that contained unidentified white powder. The letter, which claimed to be from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), made a direct and specific reference to an impending “civil war” beginning after the election. The letter sent to Congresswoman Scholten is similar to those received at other congressional offices across the country. The DSA has not yet addressed the attacks, either to condemn them or to take or deny responsibility. The Grand Rapids Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded immediately.
The Congresswoman released the below statement on the incident.
“My first thoughts today are with my staff who opened the mail and the first responders on the scene. Everyone is safe. The people who work in congressional offices are public servants. They work every day to help constituents and serve their communities. No one should ever feel unsafe doing that work. I’m thankful to law enforcement for their professionalism, and I’m proud of my team for staying calm and looking out for one another.
“Even as law enforcement works to verify the authenticity of these letters sent to congressional offices, it is the responsibility of the DSA to condemn these threats done in its name—and to refute responsibility if there is none. Unfortunately, this is another instance where the DSA has excused or ignored extremism. Extremists resort to threats, intimidation, violence, and terrorism when they fail to convince others of their ideas on the merits. That is a sign of a weak mind and weak character. The DSA has allowed extremists in its movement who not only allow but justify violence as a viable means to achieve political ends.
“Regardless of party or origin, extremism must be rejected, condemned, and removed from our political discourse. Far too many leaders and civilians are looking the other way right now, and innocent people are being put in harm’s way. I won’t ever stop standing up to the bullies—on the right or the left. The American people deserve no less. My team and I will keep serving the people of West Michigan.”
