A security scare unfolded at a prominent U.S. military installation after a suspicious package containing an unknown white powder was delivered, resulting in multiple people falling ill and requiring hospitalization, according to a CNN report.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
The incident occurred on Thursday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a key facility located just outside Washington, D.C. The base confirmed that an individual opened the suspicious package, prompting the immediate evacuation of the affected building and a connected structure as a precautionary measure.
Authorities swiftly established a security cordon around the area. Several people were transported to the Malcolm Grove Medical Center on the base for treatment. The full extent of their illnesses was not immediately disclosed.
Ongoing Investigation and Initial Findings
While the base's first responders determined there was no immediate threat and handed the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations, the probe continues. An initial field test conducted by a HAZMAT team did not detect any hazardous materials.
The room where the envelope was opened, situated within a building housing the Air National Guard Readiness Center, has been sealed off during the investigation. The base is famously known as the home of Air Force One, the aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.
Significance and Context
This event highlights the persistent security challenges faced by critical military infrastructure. The response involved multiple agencies, from initial base first responders to specialized investigative units.
As of the report, the U.S. Department of Defense and Joint Base Andrews had not immediately responded to requests for comment from Reuters. The situation serves as a reminder of the protocols in place for handling potential biological or chemical threats, even as initial tests come back clear.
