A suspicious package has been sent to the home parish of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), prompting an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The package, which was delivered to Cypress Baptist Church in Benton on Monday morning, reportedly contained a white powder-like substance.
The church, where Johnson and his family are active parishioners, is also the location of Kelly Johnson’s office. Kelly, the wife of the Republican lawmaker, is a licensed pastoral counselor and owns and operates Onward Christian Counseling Services, LLC, and its non-profit subsidiary, Onward Christian Education Services, Inc. The church is listed as the business address for Kelly’s educational organization on tax returns and is also the physical location of her Bible-based counseling services, as per state business filings.
Since becoming the U.S. House Speaker in October, Johnson has been the target of criticism from left-wing media due to his devout Christian beliefs. Kelly has also faced national attention after her counseling group was attacked by The Huffington Post for its values. The organization’s website, which has since been taken down, stated that marriage is exclusively between “one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture” and that any form of sexual immorality, including homosexuality and attempts to change one’s sex, is “sinful and offensive to God.”
FBI investigating after letter with white powder found at church in Benton; Speaker Mike Johnson’s office releases statement
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KSLA NEWS 12 pic.twitter.com/tJ8JziuHoB— Atarah Israel (@The_777_lioness) February 20, 2024
Upon discovering the package, the church’s administrative office was immediately evacuated and a HAZMAT unit was called to the scene. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office was the first to respond, followed by Louisiana State Police and the FBI.
In a statement released by the Speaker’s office, Johnson expressed gratitude for the prompt and professional response of law enforcement. “As the investigation is ongoing, we will refer all further questions to law enforcement handling this matter,” Johnson stated.
According to the FBI’s field office in New Orleans, initial tests on the package have come back negative, but further testing will be conducted at local laboratories. The FBI also warned that even sending a fake letter is considered a serious crime.
Kelly, who has a background in teaching and is a practicing member of the National Christian Counselors Association, has been a vocal advocate for the pro-family movement in Louisiana for nearly 25 years. She has served as an advisor for the Louisiana Right to Life Federation and was previously the North Louisiana director. Both Mike and Kelly Johnson have been recognized as “Champions of the Faith” by the Southern Baptist Convention.
Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or local law enforcement. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police have deferred all updates and information to the FBI, which is leading the investigation.
As the investigation is ongoing, the FBI has stated that no further details can be given at this time. It is unclear if there are any suspects or motives behind the package being sent to the church at this time.
