A suspicious package containing a white powder delivered to a US military base in Maryland has sickened many people and hospitalized several, CNN reported Thursday.
A building on the base was evacuated after an individual “opened a suspicious package,” CNN reported, citing a statement from Joint Base Andrews, located outside Washington, DC.
“The building and connecting building were evacuated as a precaution and a cordon was established around the area,” the statement said.
Several people were taken to the base’s Malcolm Grove Medical Center, CNN reported. The extent of their illness was unknown.
Joint Base Andrews is known as the home base of Air Force One, the aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.
The package contained an unknown white powder, CNN reported, citing two sources familiar with the investigation.
First responders from Joint Base Andrews determined there was no immediate threat and turned the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations, CNN reported.
An initial field test by the HAZMAT team found nothing hazardous, but the investigation is still ongoing, CNN added, citing one of the sources familiar with the matter.
CNN reported that the room where the envelope was opened, which is located in the building that houses the Air National Guard Readiness Center, has been closed.
The US Department of Defense and Joint Base Andrews did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the report
