A mysterious parcel with white powder was sent to a US military base in Maryland, causing multiple individuals to become unwell and leading to some being hospitalized, as reported by CNN on Thursday. The base in question, Joint Base Andrews, situated outside Washington, DC, had to evacuate a building after an individual unwrapped the suspicious package, according to information from the base.
In response to the situation, the building along with an adjacent one was evacuated, and a perimeter was set up around the area as a precautionary measure, the official statement from Joint Base Andrews indicated. Several individuals were taken to the Malcolm Grove Medical Centre on the base, although the severity of their conditions was not disclosed.
Recognized as the headquarters for Air Force One, the aircraft designated for the US President’s transportation, Joint Base Andrews dealt with a parcel containing an unidentified white substance, as confirmed by CNN, referencing sources knowledgeable about the inquiry. Following an assessment by Joint Base Andrews’ initial responders, no immediate danger was identified, and the Office of Special Investigations took over the scene, CNN reported.
While an initial field test conducted by the HAZMAT team did not reveal any hazardous elements, the investigation is still ongoing, as per CNN’s sources. The room where the package was opened, situated in a building housing the Air National Guard Readiness Centre, has been sealed off, according to CNN.