A suspicious package containing an unknown white powder was delivered to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, causing multiple people to fall ill and some to be hospitalized, according to a CNN report on Thursday.
A building on the base was evacuated after someone opened the suspicious package. The base subsequently established a safety perimeter around the area to prevent further risk.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area.”
Several affected individuals were transported to the Malcolm Grow Medical Center located on the base. The severity of their conditions has not been disclosed.
Joint Base Andrews first responders found no immediate threat and handed over the case to the Office of Special Investigations. An initial hazmat field test detected no hazardous substances, but the probe continues.
“An initial field test from the hazmat team did not detect anything hazardous, but the investigation remains ongoing.”
Joint Base Andrews, located outside Washington, DC, is notably the home base of Air Force One, the presidential aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.
Author’s Summary: A suspicious package with white powder at Joint Base Andrews led to several illnesses and hospitalizations, though initial tests found no hazardous material and the investigation is ongoing.