Oklahoma congressman Markwayne Mullin reports receiving death threats

Karl Ahlgren, Mullin's chief of staff, released a statement saying federal law enforcement authorities consider it a “serious matter due to the content and nature of the threatening letters which were received.”

U.S. Capitol Police officer Shennell Antrobus said Saturday that his department was working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the matter. He said he could not provide any other details, including the state of origin of the threats.

Ahlgren said precautions had been taken to ensure the safety of Mullin's wife and three children.

Mullin, a plumbing company owner, won his first election in November, capturing the eastern Oklahoma congressional seat that has long been controlled by Democrats.

Mullin was sworn in early this month to his first term.

He has cast very few votes since coming to Washington. He and fellow Oklahoma freshman Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, have been among a small minority of House members casting votes against aid to states affected by Hurricane Sandy last year.

It was not known Saturday whether the threats were related at all to congressional business.

Members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation generally don't comment on threats they have received, and Ahlgren said Mullin's office would not comment further.