NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – Authorities said the president of Newark’s City Council received a threatening letter at his home Wednesday night.

Police said the letter to Donald Payne Jr. was in an envelope that also contained a foreign substance later found to be baking soda.

Police told The Star-Ledger of Newark that Payne’s wife opened the letter Wednesday evening.

Police Director Garry McCarthy would not say exactly what the letter said.

Payne has been president of the City Council since May. He is the son of U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Sr.

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