Missouri State Senator Receives Letter With 'Unknown Substance'

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a Democratic state senator from University City, Tweeted this morning that she had received a letter in the mail containing an unknown green substance. A hazardous materials team was called to her office to investigate.

Several staff members came in contact with the substance, but law enforcement said they believe it poses no threat to the public, according to a statement from Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard and Republican majority leader Mike Kehoe.

Chappelle-Nadal said she was thankful to police and first responders, and that there is an ongoing investigation into the incident.

"Let me be clear, the coward that sent the envelope made a grave mistake," she wrote on Twitter Thursday afternoon. "There is no way in Hell I will be intimidated by a fool."

Chappelle-Nadal said the postmark on the letter indicated it was sent from Springfield, Missouri, in the southwest corner of the state, and that she had received other threats while in office. She Tweeted Thursday afternoon that the substance was a "cancer causing pesticide," but officials have not yet confirmed that determination publicly.

Chapelle-Nadal took criticism last summer when she wrote on Facebook that she hoped President Trump was assassinated in the wake of the 'Unite the Right' White Nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was investigated by the Secret Service, and Democrats and Republicans alike called for her resignation.

So... This morning I received another suspicious threat. It came in the form of an envelope with a green substance. There's currently a HAZMAT team investigating my office. One of the reasons I love fire fighters, they respond quickly. Always grateful to them! https://t.co/0XDXOAU6ju
— MariaChappelleNadal (@MariaChappelleN) April 19, 2018

This story is developing. Check back for updates.