Kansas Democratic LGBTQ Caucus issues statement on mysterious letters
BY TRIBUNE STAFF
news@gbtribune.com
When 112th District Rep. Tory Arnberger (R-Great Bend) discussed the mysterious letter containing the suspicious white powder, she said the notes she and other state officials received were from “transgender individuals who have passed away.”
On Tuesday, the Kansas Democratic LGBTQ Caucus issued a statement on the ongoing investigation into the letters.
It reads as follows:
“The Kansas Democratic LGBTQ Caucus continues to condemn the threats sent to Republican elected officials. Kansas is our home, and we wish for our home to be safe for all who live here. Many bills in the last session will harm the transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex communities here, but that does not justify sending threatening letters. These kinds of attempts at intimidation will not change laws, bring back those we have lost, or make Kansas safer for us.
“We encourage all LGBTQ Kansans and our allies to protest these upcoming laws through ethical means which do not harm, attempt to harm, or threaten other Kansans. We must continue to live proudly and to overcome our fears to do so. With local elections happening this year, we must make our voices heard to elect candidates who will protect Kansans in the face of these draconian laws. We must stay active and engaged as we go into the 2024 elections and ensure we elect honorable people to Topeka to reverse the hateful bills passed in 2023.
“If you have any information about the letters sent this month, please contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KS-CRIME. If you are threatened at work, in public, or in private, contact the necessary state and local agencies as well as legal organizations like the ACLU. We must not suffer in silence.
“This Pride month has become a month not only of joy but of resistance. Our very act of being out is an act of defiance in the face of legislation attempting to erase our true identities. Do not threaten others. Stand up and be proud.”
TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators, including 112th District Rep. Tory Arnberger (R-Great Bend) and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the Federal Bureau of Investigation will now be the agency leading the investigation.
The KBI will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring these incidents to appropriate resolution.
“Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans, and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable,” said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “The KBI is so appreciative of the incredible coordination and outstanding response by countless federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as by fire departments, and hazmat teams to this unprecedented event.”
Since the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to safely collecting or screening evidence, or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.
It remains important to be vigilant when handling mail. Report any letters containing an unknown white powder to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
The investigation is ongoing.
