A suspicious package containing white powder was delivered to Joint Base Andrews, a U.S. military base in Maryland, causing several people to fall ill and prompting hospitalizations, CNN reported on Thursday.
After an individual opened the package, authorities evacuated the affected building along with an adjoining structure as a precaution.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area,” said a statement from Joint Base Andrews.
Several individuals were taken to the Malcolm Grow Medical Center located on the base. The severity of their conditions has not been disclosed.
Initial tests by the HAZMAT team detected no hazardous substances; nevertheless, the Office of Special Investigations is continuing the inquiry.
Joint Base Andrews is widely recognized as the home base of Air Force One, the presidential aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.
The investigation is ongoing with officials working to determine the nature of the powder and the source of the suspicious package.
CNN cited two sources familiar with the investigation, emphasizing the unknown nature of the white powder.
Author's summary: A mysterious white powder in a package caused illness and evacuation at Joint Base Andrews; initial tests show no immediate threat, but investigations continue.