A suspicious package at Joint Base Andrews, near Washington, caused several individuals to fall ill and prompted an evacuation, according to official base statements.
The building was evacuated after someone opened the suspicious package. As a safety measure, both the affected building and the adjacent one were cleared, and a secure perimeter was established around the area.
“First responders from Joint Base Andrews were dispatched to the scene, an assessment found no immediate threats, and the site was handed over to the Office of Special Investigations. The investigation continues.”
The package contained an unknown white powder, which was sent to the Malcolm Grove Medical Center. Those affected received treatment there, according to sources involved in the investigation.
A HAZMAT team conducted an initial field test that did not reveal any hazardous substances, but the investigation is still ongoing. The team left the area Thursday evening.
The extent of illness among those exposed remains unknown. The room where the package was opened, located in the Air National Guard Readiness Center building, remains closed.
The suspicious package incident at Joint Base Andrews led to a precautionary evacuation and medical treatment, with no immediate threat found, but the investigation is ongoing.