Unglesbee Charged With Mailing Salt-Based Threats to Four Lawmakers

Matthew Unglesbee, an Illinois resident, has been charged with mailing four letters containing a white granular substance to members of Congress. All envelopes bore his name and home address. He faces two federal counts: false information and hoaxes, and mailing threatening communications. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

The investigation began on Oct. 16 when an anonymous tipster informed the FBI that they had overheard Unglesbee discuss mailing a suspicious substance to lawmakers. Three days later, the letters arrived at congressional offices. During a Sunday interview with FBI agents, Unglesbee allegedly admitted to sending the mailings. He stated he acted after hearing about other letters mailed earlier in the month. The FBI is separately investigating those prior incidents involving suspicious substances sent to members of Congress and elections officials.

Unglesbee told agents that the granular substance was salt. He described it as something that "kind of looks like" anthrax. He admitted he knew recipients would perceive the letters as dangerous. He denied any connection to the earlier mailings, which authorities say the FBI is handling in a separate probe.

The four letters contained specific notes. Three included the substance and threatening language. One handwritten letter read "HA HA." The fourth contained the substance with the note "HAH enjoy the gift." A search of Unglesbee’s residence revealed a fifth empty envelope addressed to another member of Congress that had not been mailed.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., confirmed she was aware of the suspect's custody in connection with a recent letter sent to her Skokie office. She received a second suspicious letter on Oct. 21. In a statement, Schakowsky thanked law enforcement and said she would not let threats stop her from serving the 9th District. She noted her team would continue their work.

The case highlights the intersection of online tips and physical mail threats in federal investigations. The FBI responded to the Oct. 16 tip and connected Unglesbee to the letters that arrived shortly after. The charges filed against him focus on the content of the mail and his knowledge of how the substance would be perceived.