Several individuals became ill at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after opening a suspicious package that reportedly contained an unidentified white powder, according to CNN. The U.S. military base, located near Washington, D.C., was temporarily evacuated as a safety measure.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area,” stated Joint Base Andrews.
The package was opened inside a facility that also houses the Air National Guard Readiness Center. After multiple personnel showed symptoms, medical teams provided immediate care and transported the affected individuals to the Malcolm Grove Medical Center within the base.
“Joint Base Andrews first responders were dispatched to the scene, determined there were no immediate threats, and have turned the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations. An investigation is currently ongoing,” CNN quoted the base officials.
President Donald Trump, who frequently uses Joint Base Andrews for air travel to official events, has been informed of the situation. Authorities continue to investigate the source and composition of the powder.
A suspicious package containing white powder caused several people to fall ill at Joint Base Andrews, prompting an evacuation and federal investigation into the possible threat.