Police are investigating the source of a possibly poisonous letter sent to the home of Sen. Susan Collins (R., Maine).
"Senator Collins’s husband, Tom Daffron, today received a threatening letter that the writer claimed was contaminated with ricin, a highly hazardous substance which was used in a previous attack against the United States Senate," Collins spokeswoman Annie Clark said in a statement on Monday.
Collins was able to spend Monday night at her residence in Bangor, Maine, Roll Call reports. Law enforcement is still testing the substance involved to determine if the letter actually contains ricin.
"Mr. Daffron, their dog, and parts of their home were quarantined while the crime lab undertook an analysis of the premises," Clark said. "The affected areas have now been cleared, and Senator Collins and Mr. Daffron will be able to remain at home tonight."
Collins and her husband thanked the agencies that responded to the incident.
"We are also truly appreciative of the many well wishes that we received today," Collins and Daffron said. "Our friends and neighbors have been incredibly kind and have even offered to open their homes to us. We feel blessed to live in such a supportive community."
Collins was not at home when law enforcement arrived. Police have not revealed a motive for why the letter was sent.
Earlier this month, Collins voted to confirm now-Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. During the confirmation process, the Maine senator and her staff were pressured by liberal activists to vote against the nominee. Her office received profanity-laced emails and letters, as well as threats.