Investigation Launched into Anonymous Pizza Deliveries to Lawmakers

Authorities are currently probing a series of anonymous pizza orders sent to the residences of U.S. legislators and those responsible for their security.

These enigmatic deliveries have sparked concern among authorities, suggesting a possible menacing intention, as reported by congressional insiders and others well-versed in the situation.

Members from both political parties in the House have been recipients of these unrequested pizzas, as confirmed by a statement from the office of House Speaker Mike Johnson. Pizza orders were also dispatched to leaders, both current and past, of the U.S. Capitol Police, as noted by sources.

"The recent influx of pizza deliveries is alarming and underscores the escalating threat environment," stated the Capitol Police in their communication with ABC News. "Acts of violence and threats aimed at elected officials are unacceptable."

In response, the Capitol Police are collaborating with federal, state, and local authorities to address the situation.

Heightened Concerns Amidst Broader Threats

Even though many pizzas were delivered over the past weekend during urgent efforts by Minnesota officials to apprehend a man accused of shooting two state lawmakers, it appears that these deliveries commenced before those tragic events, according to a congressional source.

The Minnesota incident resulted in the death of one lawmaker and her husband. The alleged shooter was detained Sunday, with federal authorities identifying numerous additional targets in his writings, including over 45 Democrats at the state and federal levels from Minnesota.

This incident exemplifies the growing trend of politically motivated violence in the U.S., as highlighted by acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who announced federal charges against the suspect on Monday.

The mysterious pizza orders represent yet another looming worry among congressional circles, as outlined to ABC News.

The atmosphere is one of palpable fear, admitted an anonymous congressional source.

Ongoing Security Measures and Member Safety

The issue of these unsettling deliveries was discussed during a call with congressional officials and House Sergeant at Arms, William McFarland.

In response to these events, the U.S. Capitol Police have refrained from disclosing detailed information about the deliveries, emphasizing the need to safeguard ongoing investigations and deter imitators.

Ahead of a briefing on security protocols for lawmakers, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the tireless efforts of the U.S. Capitol Police and the Senate Sergeant at Arms through a public video.

Law enforcement officials have indicated a trend in recent years where anonymous pizzas are sent to public officeholders, seemingly to convey a threatening message, emphasizing the sender’s awareness of the recipient’s residence.

Judge Esther Salas, whose son was killed by someone posing as a delivery worker in 2020, remarked to ABC News Prime that a multitude of pizzas has been delivered to judges' homes nationwide.

"We've heard of pizza deliveries to judges’ residences, which imply, ‘I know your address,’" Salas noted, pointing out that some recent deliveries even used her late son's name as the sender.