Seven Hospitalized After Suspicious Package Opened at US Base
Seven people were briefly hospitalized after opening a suspicious package containing a white powder at a military base near the US capital, home to Air Force One, the presidential jet, US media reported.
The CNN network reported that initial tests by a HAZMAT team found the substance not hazardous, though the investigation is ongoing. The individuals treated at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday were later released.
Fox News noted some of those affected experienced headaches. According to CNN, citing sources familiar with the case, the package also contained what was described as "political propaganda."
"Joint Base Andrews responded to an incident here today after an individual opened a suspicious package," the base said in a statement to US media. "As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated." "Joint Base Andrews first responders were dispatched to the scene, determined there were no immediate threats, and have turned the scene over to Office of Special Investigations."
Located in Maryland, Joint Base Andrews is a short drive from Washington and serves senior US government officials.
Author's summary: A suspicious package with white powder triggered hospitalizations and evacuation at Joint Base Andrews, but no immediate threats were found after HAZMAT inspection.