--- title: "Matthew Unglesbee charged over white powder letters to Congress" publication: "MediaBias News" url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/matthew-unglesbee-charged-over-white-powder-letters-to-congress" api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/matthew-unglesbee-charged-over-white-powder-letters-to-congress" markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/matthew-unglesbee-charged-over-white-powder-letters-to-congress.md" audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/matthew-unglesbee-charged-over-white-powder-letters-to-congress" category: "Politics" area: "United States" published: "2026-10-26T21:46:08.445Z" source_reported: "2026-10-26T20:09:49.000Z" updated: "2026-10-28T00:45:33.078Z" trust_score: 70 critic_score: 70 hype_score: 15 assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis" fact_check_status: "not-performed" coverage_measured: "2026-10-28T00:17:24.428Z" --- # Matthew Unglesbee charged over white powder letters to Congress *Illinois man accused of sending four letters with a white substance and threatening notes to congressional offices.* **Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): - Trust 70 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the DOJ and court documents, with multiple outlets corroborating. - Craft 70 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates facts from speculation and provides specific details about the incident. - Hype 15 of 100, lower is better. The language used is neutral and factual, with no sensationalism or exaggeration. Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology. **The short version** - Matthew Unglesbee was charged with mailing threatening communications and false information. - He allegedly sent four letters containing a white powdery substance to congressional offices in northern Illinois. - The letters included notes such as "HA HA" and "enjoy your gift." - Unglesbee allegedly stated he was inspired by news reports of similar letters sent to officials nationwide. Matthew Unglesbee has been charged with mailing threatening communications and false information after allegedly sending four letters containing a white powdery substance to congressional offices in northern Illinois. The letters included notes such as "HA HA" and "enjoy your gift." Unglesbee allegedly stated he was inspired by news reports of other white powder letters sent to officials around the country. Investigators found Unglesbee's return address on the letters, and he allegedly admitted to mailing them while joking, according to court documents. In one instance, the white powder was identified as salt. Among the offices receiving suspicious mail was that of U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, whose staff followed law enforcement guidance to identify warning signs. The incidents occurred after emergency responses at two Cook County buildings in Chicago, where one letter contained baking powder. ## Disagreement on letter contents One report states that the white powdery substance in one letter turned out to be salt. Another report states that one letter contained baking powder. ## What was left out None of the left or centre-rated reports mentioned that Matthew Unglesbee allegedly stated he was joking when admitting to mailing the letters. ## Who covered it Shares of the 123 covering outlets with a published leaning rating: - Left: 30% (37) - Centre: 50% (61) - Right: 20% (25) 18 of 141 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-28T00:17:24.428Z. **Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 3 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-28T00:45:33.078Z. ## How the sides framed it ### Left - Left-rated outlets reported that Matthew Unglesbee, of Illinois, was charged with mailing letters containing a white granular substance to members of Congress. Several reports stated the envelopes included his name and home address. - The St Catharines Standard reported Unglesbee included a note reading “HAH enjoy the gift” with one letter. washingtonsun.com reported the suspect said the substance was salt but looked like anthrax. - Multiple NBC outlets and CBS News ran digests that included a photo of the U.S. Capitol. None of the left-rated digests mentioned the specific number of Congress members who received the letters. ### Centre - The centre‑rated outlets reported that a 37‑year‑old man from Quincy, Illinois, was charged with mailing letters containing a white powdery substance to four members of Congress in the Chicago area. Court documents say the envelopes bore his return address, included a note reading “HAH enjoy the gift,” and that he said he was inspired by hearing news of similar mailings. - ABC 7 Chicago’s report quoted Rep. Mike Quigley calling the letters “vulgar, nasty” political threats aimed at Democrats, and said staff placed the mail in a protective box and called police. My Mother Lode’s report added that testing found the powder to be harmless salt, that a fifth envelope addressed a Washington, D.C. office was recovered, and that a tip about the suspect was received on 16 October. - The digests omitted Quigley’s comment about the letters being directed toward Democrats and did not note that none of the recipients opened the envelopes. They also left out the detail that the investigation involved the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Capitol Police, which only the full reports mentioned. ### Right - The Gateway Pundit, Clarin, Owensboro Messenger‑Inquirer, Jonesboro Sun and regionalmedianews all reported that a 37‑year‑old Illinois man, identified as Matthew Unglesbee, was arrested or charged for mailing threatening letters containing a white powder or dust to members of Congress. Each digest noted the inclusion of a note that read “HAH enjoy the gift.” - Clarin’s digest added that the white dust was confirmed non‑hazardous and that Unglesbee said the letters were a joke. The Owensboro Messenger‑Inquirer and Jonesboro Sun both cited an unsealed criminal complaint dated Monday. regionalmedianews specified that Unglesbee is a Quincy resident and that the complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. - None of the right‑rated digests mention any estimate of cost, any potential legislative impact, or any statements from law‑enforcement officials. They also omit any broader discussion of the incident’s significance beyond the criminal charge and the description of the white substance. **Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding. ## Factuality profile of the covering outlets These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true. - veryLow: 2 - low: 5 - mixed: 11 - high: 42 - unknown: 19 - veryHigh: 62 ## Verification scope This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true. ## Original reporting this was written from - [WTTW](https://news.wttw.com/2026/10/27/quincy-man-accused-sending-envelopes-suspicious-substance-illinois-politicians) — Quincy Man Accused of Sending Envelopes With Suspicious Substance to Illinois Politicians - [100% FED UP!](https://100percentfedup.com/man-faces-felony-charges-allegedly-sending-letters-containing) — Man Faces Felony Charges For Allegedly Sending Letters Containing Unknown White Substance To Members Of Congress – 100PercentFedUp.com – by Danielle - [Zero Hedge](https://zerohedge.com/political/illinois-man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-containing-white-powder-lawmakers) — Illinois Man Charged With Mailing Threatening Letters Containing White Powder To Lawmakers - [Joe.My.God.](https://joemygod.com/2026/10/cops-man-mailed-white-powder-to-top-democrats) — COPS: Man Mailed White Powder To Top Democrats - [Los Angeles Times](https://latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-10-27/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [nytimespost.com](https://nytimespost.com/illinois-man-accused-of-threatening-congress-with-white-substances-in-letters-marked-with-his-return-address) — Illinois man accused of threatening Congress with white substances in letters marked with his return address - NEW YORK TIMES POST - [democraticaccent.com](https://democraticaccent.com/illinois-man-accused-of-threatening-congress-with-white-substances-in-letters-marked-with-his-return-address) — Illinois man accused of threatening Congress with white substances in letters marked with his return address – Democratic Accent - [Fox News](https://foxnews.com/politics/illinois-man-accused-threatening-congress-white-substances-letters-marked-return-address) — Illinois man accused of threatening Congress with white substances in letters marked with his return address - [abc 6 Philadelphia](https://6abc.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc 7 LA](https://abc7.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc 13 Houston](https://abc13.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc 7 NY](https://abc7ny.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc11 Raleigh](https://abc11.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc 7 News](https://abc7news.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc30 News](https://abc30.com/story/man-allegedly-sent-white-substance-members-congress-put-address-envelopes-doj/19985180) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [wfmd.com](https://wfmd.com/2026/10/27/white-powder-mailings-arrest) — White Powder Mailings Arrest - [American Wire News](https://americanwirenews.com/congressional-offices-receive-threatening-letters-and-mystery-white-powder-prosecutors-identify-alleged-sender) — Congressional offices receive threatening letters and mystery white powder — prosecutors identify alleged sender · American Wire News - [Bizpac Review](https://bizpacreview.com/2026/10/27/congressional-offices-receive-threatening-letters-and-mystery-white-powder-prosecutors-identify-alleged-sender-1665019) — Congressional offices receive threatening letters and mystery white powder — prosecutors identify alleged sender - [Just the News](https://justthenews.com/nation/crime/illinois-man-charged-allegedly-sending-white-powder-members-congress-chicago-area) — Illinois man charged for allegedly sending white powder to members of Congress in Chicago area - [RedState](https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/10/27/self-owned-illinois-man-sends-white-powder-letters-to-congress-uses-own-return-address-n2208675) — Self-Owned: Illinois Man Sends White Powder Letters to Congress, Uses Own Return Address - [Deltaplex News](https://deltaplexnews.com/national/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [Connect FM | Local News Radio | Dubois, PA](https://connectradio.fm/abc-national/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [The Epoch Times](https://theepochtimes.com/us/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-threatening-letters-containing-white-powder-to-lawmakers-6109117) — Illinois Man Charged With Mailing Threatening Letters Containing White Powder to Lawmakers - [Delta Daily News](https://deltadailynews.com/national-news/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [Everett Post](https://everettpost.com/national/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [abc 7 WJLA](https://wjla.com/news/nation-world/man-accused-of-mailing-white-substance-to-illinois-lawmakers-congress-matthew-unglesbee-used-his-own-return-address-fbi-criminal-complaint-false-information-hoaxes-threatening-communication) — Man accused of mailing white substance to lawmakers used his own return address: FBI - [OK! Magazine](https://okmagazine.com/p/fbi-man-anthrax-style-scare-letters-four-congress-members-fifth-letter) — FBI Says Man Mailed Anthrax-Style Scare Letters to Four Members of Congress, Then Found a Fifth Letter - [Spectrum News](http://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/politics/2026/10/27/matthew-ungelsbee-charged-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Bay News 9](http://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/politics/2026/10/27/matthew-ungelsbee-charged-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Spectrum News 13](http://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/politics/2026/10/27/matthew-ungelsbee-charged-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Haberler](https://haberler.com/guncel/illinois-te-bir-kisi-4-kongre-uyesine-beyaz-madde-20369242-haberi) — A Man in Illinois Has Been Charged with Sending White Matter to Four Members of Congress. - [Newser](https://newser.com/story/398851/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-lawmakers.html) — Illinois Man Charged With Mailing White Powder to Lawmakers - [negocios.com](https://negocios.com/geopolitica/panico-congreso-eeuu-hombre-envia-polvo-blanco-cuatro-politicos/20261027062854496607.html) — Panic at the U.S. Congress: A Man Sends White Dust to Four Politicians · Global Voices - [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/congress-letters-suspicious-powder-arrest-3bae6cfc887d22e5c2f5ef3644e83ee2) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [WWAY TV](https://wwaytv3.com/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes - [KFOR-TV](https://kfor.com/news/washington-dc-bureau/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [BNO News](https://bnonews.com/index.php/2026/10/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-4-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to 4 members of Congress - [Internewscast](https://internewscast.com/news/us/illinois-man-accused-of-mailing-white-powder-to-chicago-area-lawmakers) — Illinois Man Accused of Mailing White Powder to Chicago-Area Lawmakers - [fakti.bg](https://fakti.bg/world/1094250-maj-e-obvinen-za-pisma-s-prah-do-kongresmeni-tramp-dava-1-mln-za-signali-za-izborni-izmami) — Man Charged with Sending Letters with Powder to Congressmen, Trump Gives $1 Million for Election Fraud Reports - [SuperHits 103.7 COSY-FM](https://wcsy.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [MyCentralOregon.com](https://mycentraloregon.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [999ycountry.com](https://999ycountry.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [thepulseofnh.com](https://thepulseofnh.com/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - The Pulse of NH - [abc News](https://abcnews.com/US/man-allegedly-white-substance-members-congress-put-address/story?id=137582955) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [WirePoints Illinois Financial News](https://wirepoints.org/illinois-man-with-lengthy-criminal-history-arrested-in-white-powder-threats-to-members-of-congress-nbc5-chicago) — Illinois man with lengthy criminal history arrested in white-powder threats to members of Congress – NBC5 (Chicago) – Wirepoints - [KXAN](https://kxan.com/news/national-news/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [Washington Examiner](https://washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/4780639/illinois-man-charged-white-powder-mail-congress-members) — Illinois man charged in white powder mail hoax targeting members of Congress - [Chicago Sun Times](https://chicago.suntimes.com/2026/10/26/quincy-man-charged-mailed-letters-white-powder-congress-members-unglesbee) — Feds say Quincy man mailed letters containing white powder to members of Illinois congressional delegation - [WXXV 25](https://wxxv25.com/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - WXXV News 25 - [KTAL NBC 6 News](https://ktalnews.com/video/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [RadarOnline](https://radaronline.com/p/illinois-man-accused-of-mailing-anthrax-style-scare-letters-to-congress-matthew-unglesbee) — FBI Says Man Sent Anthrax-Style Scare Letters to Four Members of Congress, According to Court Doc - [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/26/illinois-man-allegedly-sent-threatening-letters-containing-white-substance-congress-members) — Illinois man allegedly sent threatening letters containing a white ... - [Henry Herald](https://henryherald.com/news/world_nation/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_839f7c2d-a9d2-5960-8f84-82e9775d9424.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [WGN 9](https://wgntv.com/news/illinois/ap-illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Quincy man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress in Chicago - [Marietta Daily Journal](https://mdjonline.com/news/national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_d75a2865-9ea7-500e-ab54-5b4aa716fa01.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [WCBD](https://counton2.com/news/national-news/ap-illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Northern Virginia Daily](https://nvdaily.com/associated_press_national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_2a6a0a2a-1712-5897-8427-1852d1a682b8.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Richmond Register](https://richmondregister.com/ap/national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_8c6af504-84f5-5d40-b144-2419bc38589e.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Herald Bulletin](https://heraldbulletin.com/news/nation_world/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_8578b31b-96ae-5c66-9ca6-752893abfeda.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Daily Star](https://thedailystar.com/news/state/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_2ace5064-e2f7-5850-b1dd-600acc628d9e.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Crossville Chronicle](https://crossville-chronicle.com/news/ap_news/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_49396b43-7255-5927-b1b5-b1a142d8559f.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Batesville Daily Guard](https://guardonline.com/news/national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_43ed69a0-d4bf-54af-9a30-5ad8b4421ca0.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Newsmax](https://newsmax.com/newsfront/congress-letters-suspicious-powder/2026/10/26/id/1274084) — Man Charged With Sending White Powder to Lawmakers - [Evanston Now](https://evanstonnow.com/threatening-letters-lead-to-arrest) — Threatening letters lead to arrest - [Evanston RoundTable](https://evanstonroundtable.com/2026/10/26/downstate-illinois-man-in-custody-for-mailing-suspicious-letters-to-schakowsky-and-other-area-representatives) — Downstate Illinois man in custody for mailing suspicious letters to Schakowsky and other area representatives - [CP24](https://cp24.com/news/world/2026/10/26/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/world/article/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Clarin](https://clarin.com/estados-unidos/hombre-de-illinois-es-acusado-de-enviar-polvo-blanco-por-correo-a-legisladores_0_2h95jXOPLL.html) — Illinois Man Accused of Sending White Dust by Mail to Lawmakers · Global Voices - [WFMZ](https://wfmz.com/news/ap/ap-spanish/hombre-de-illinois-es-acusado-de-enviar-polvo-blanco-por-correo-a-legisladores/article_5995a448-76be-592e-a72b-fb12d31ad3e9.html) — Illinois Man Accused of Sending White Dust by Mail to Lawmakers · Global Voices - [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/eeuu/hombre-de-illinois-es-acusado-de-enviar-polvo-blanco-por-correo-a-legisladores-b3073799.html) — Illinois Man Accused of Sending White Dust by Mail to Lawmakers · Global Voices - [HuffPost](https://huffpost.com/entry/illinois-man-accused-of-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress_n_6adfd37de4b065fbf4c1e840) — Illinois Man Accused Of Mailing White Powder To Members Of Congress - [WPSD Local 6](https://wpsdlocal6.com/news/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_93db9cd4-333a-4256-b930-ee34cb4235a9.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Lake and McHenry County Scanner](https://lakemchenryscanner.com/2026/10/26/man-accused-of-mailing-salt-he-said-kind-of-looks-like-anthrax-to-members-of-congress-amid-letters-to-rep-schneider-in-lincolnshire) — Man accused of mailing salt he said 'kind of looks like' anthrax to members of Congress amid letters to Rep. Schneider in Lincolnshire - [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/illinois-springfield-congress-court-records-fbi-b3073791.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/10/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress – WTOP News - [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/illinois-springfield-congress-court-records-fbi-b3073791.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_d9a5cb86-935f-5cfa-b8d5-94532e49aa90.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Times-Tribune](https://thetimestribune.com/news/national_news/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_824bcab9-a126-5760-af9b-f4e378852e04.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_c7c74123-ca73-57e6-af56-132f0d511c41.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Terre Haute Tribune-Star](https://tribstar.com/region/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_295b39db-7362-550d-88bf-4bc4ed584ac8.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Tribune-Democrat](https://tribdem.com/news/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_0e0a7833-fc0d-5338-9012-f1d0331e2cf2.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Channel 3000](https://channel3000.com/news/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_0574065d-015c-5363-9eb4-1807d1f740ea.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [regionalmedianews.com](https://regionalmedianews.com/news/state/illinois/illinois-quick-hits-southern-illinois-man-charged-for-threats-to-congressmen) — Illinois Quick Hits: Southern Illinois man charged for threats to congressmen - Regional Media News - [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/us-government/11255208/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/10/26/suspicious-substance-arrest) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [WBAL](https://wbal.com/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Newsday](https://newsday.com/news/nation/congress-letters-suspicious-powder-arrest-m16850) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [KTBS](https://ktbs.com/news/national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_252206dd-8874-5eac-9434-d1250dbb01ac.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel](https://gjsentinel.com/news/us/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_747f6cdb-0d3e-5cdc-989a-2b4b92e01ff2.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Independent Journal Review](https://ijr.com/discover/politics-2026-10-26-illinois-man-charged-powder-letters-congress-147802f0) — Illinois Man Charged Over Powder Letters to Congress - [Daily News-Record](https://dnronline.com/associated_press/national/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_4bbe0715-140c-5773-9d99-26235dc26e88.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [WPLG](https://local10.com/news/national/2026/10/26/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/10/26/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/10/26/nation/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [washingtonsun.com](https://washingtonsun.com/legal/illinois-man-charged-white-powder-members-of-congress) — Illinois Man Charged With Mailing White Powder to Four Members of Congress - [WSPA](https://wspa.com/news/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [KTSM](https://ktsm.com/news/national-news/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [KXRM](https://fox21news.com/news/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [WHNT 19 News](https://whnt.com/news/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [PHL17](https://phl17.com/nmw/man-charged-with-sending-white-substance-to-4-lawmakers) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [WGIL 93.7 FM & 1400 AM](https://wgil.com/2026/10/26/quincy-man-hoax-letters) — Quincy man charged with mailing hoax letters to Illinois congressional offices - [Muddy River News](https://muddyrivernews.com/top-stories/formal-charges-filed-against-matt-unglesbee-of-quincy-in-federal-probe/20261026164229) — Formal charges filed against Matt Unglesbee of Quincy in federal probe - [WTVB](https://wtvbam.com/2026/10/26/illinois-man-charged-with-sending-threatening-letters-to-us-lawmakers) — Illinois man charged with sending threatening letters to US lawmakers - [Politics, Policy, Political News](https://politicom.com.au/man-arrested-for-sending-threatening-letters-with-white-substance-to-members-of-congress) — Man Arrested For Sending Threatening Letters with White Substance to Members of Congress - Politics, Policy, Political Views - [St Louis Post-Dispatch](https://stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_38ead8c2-c66e-5cd3-96bc-301cc5f2c02a.html) — Illinois man charged with sending threatening letters to Congress members in Chicago - [The Gateway Pundit](https://thegatewaypundit.com/2026/10/man-arrested-sending-white-substance-members-congress) — Man Arrested For Sending Threatening Letters with White Substance to Members of Congress * The Gateway Pundit * by Cristina Laila - [The Hill](https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6173379-illinois-man-congress-white-substance-mail) — Man charged with sending white substance to 4 lawmakers - [TALK! 100.7 FM](https://wutqfm.com/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [Telegraf – Najnovije vesti](https://telegraf.rs/vesti/svet/4421645-muskarac-iz-ilinoja-optuzen-za-slanje-pisama-sa-belom-supstancom) — Drama in the US Congress: A Man Sent Members Suspicious Envelopes with a White Substance and a Creepy Message! - [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/ad084b9d75d1c759) — Illinois man charged with sending white powder letters - [cedarnews.net](https://cedarnews.net/newstasks/1100622/matthew-unglesbee-of-quincy-illinois-charged-over-white-powder-letters-sent-to-congress) — Matthew Unglesbee of Quincy, Illinois, Charged Over White-Powder Letters Sent to Congress - [CBS News](https://cbsnews.com/chicago/news/quincy-illinois-man-charged-sending-white-powder-members-of-congress) — Quincy, Illinois, man charged with sending white powder to Chicago area members of Congress - [NBC News](https://nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-rcna605793) — Man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [Chicago Tribune](https://chicagotribune.com/2026/10/26/downstate-man-charged-with-sending-threatening-letters-to-congress-members-in-chicago) — Downstate man charged with sending threatening letters to Congress members in Chicago - [Patch](https://patch.com/illinois/across-il/quincy-man-arrested-suspicion-sending-threatening-mailings-chicago-area-u-s-reps) — IL Man Sent Threats, White Powder To Members Of Congress: DOJ - [The Center Square](https://thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_025976f5-4f71-4617-8e7c-31cc3a094c5d.html) — Illinois Quick Hits: Southern Illinois man charged for threats to congressmen - [abc 7 Chicago](https://abc7chicago.com/post/matthew-unglesbee-accused-allegedly-sending-letters-white-powder-4-members-congress-illinois-doj/19981964) — Man accused of allegedly sending letters with white powder to 4 members of Congress in Illinois: DOJ - [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/news/world/united-states/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_2a5ba920-6d6a-55e8-a597-d75e06ca3580.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [The Record](https://therecord.com/news/world/united-states/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_88da19c7-fffe-5784-b633-c921066e4e73.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/news/world/united-states/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_9e7150aa-9390-556e-a4e6-0dae03fc9ac8.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Roll Call](https://rollcall.com/2026/10/26/four-hoax-letters-to-congress-draw-federal-charges) — Four hoax letters to Congress draw federal charges - [WFLD](https://fox32chicago.com/news/illinois-man-accused-mailing-letters-suspicious-substance-chicago-area-congressional-offices) — Illinois man accused of mailing letters with suspicious substance to Chicago-area congressional offices - [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/10/26/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/elections/illinois-man-charged-with-mailing-white-powder-to-members-of-congress/article_210e26d8-2172-52e7-9ff2-5288143dc3bd.html) — Illinois man charged with mailing white powder to members of Congress - [NBC New York](https://nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/6563381) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC Philadelphia](https://nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/4485600) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC Boston](https://nbcboston.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/4037660) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC Miami](https://nbcmiami.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/3877817) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC Dallas-Fort Worth](https://nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/4095829) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC Chicago](https://nbcchicago.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/4007511) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC LA](https://nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/3961014) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC Bay Area](https://nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/4164829) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [NBC San Diego](https://nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/man-charged-mailing-threatening-letters-white-substance-congress-members/4092326) — Illinois man charged with mailing threatening letters with white substance to members of Congress - [Northwest Newsradio](https://nwnewsradio.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [KSRO](https://ksro.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [UPI](https://upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/10/26/man-charged-with-sending-letters-to-illinois-lawmakers/1291793060768) — Man charged with mailing threatening letters to Illinois lawmakers - [wsjm.com](https://wsjm.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [KTLO LLC](https://ktlo.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ - [MyClallamCounty.com](https://myclallamcounty.com/2026/10/26/man-who-allegedly-sent-white-substance-to-members-of-congress-put-his-address-on-envelopes-doj) — Man who allegedly sent white substance to members of Congress put his address on envelopes: DOJ ## Questions **Who is Matthew Unglesbee and what is he accused of?** Matthew Unglesbee has been charged with mailing threatening communications and false information. He is accused of sending four letters containing a white powdery substance to congressional offices in northern Illinois. **What did the letters contain?** The letters contained a white powdery substance, which in one case was identified as salt. They also included notes such as "HA HA" and "enjoy your gift." **What inspired Unglesbee to send the letters?** Unglesbee allegedly stated he was inspired by news reports of other white powder letters sent to officials around the country. He reportedly heard someone in a restaurant mention the news story of similar letters being mailed. --- MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/matthew-unglesbee-charged-over-white-powder-letters-to-congress. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Matthew Unglesbee charged over white powder letters to Congress", https://mediabias.news/politics/matthew-unglesbee-charged-over-white-powder-letters-to-congress