On Thursday, November 6, a suspicious package containing white powder was received at a military base in Maryland, causing multiple individuals to experience physical discomfort. Several people were sent to the hospital for treatment.
According to a report from CNN, the incident occurred in a building within Joint Base Andrews, located in the outskirts of Washington D.C. Joint Base Andrews is the home base for the presidential aircraft “Air Force One.”
A statement from the base mentioned that after a staff member opened the package and discovered the unknown white powder, the area was immediately evacuated. The affected building and nearby structures were cleared, and a security perimeter was established. Those who experienced discomfort were taken to the Malcolm Grove Medical Center on the base, although the severity of their conditions is currently unknown.
Sources indicated that a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) team conducted preliminary on-site testing and did not find any harmful substances yet. The investigation is still ongoing. The incident took place in a room within the Air National Guard Readiness Center building and has since been sealed off for further examination.
CNN reported that the base has initially determined there was no immediate threat at the scene, and further investigation has been handed over to the Office of Special Investigations. The U.S. Department of Defense and Joint Base Andrews have not yet responded to the incident.
This event has raised concerns about the security measures and mail screening mechanisms of the U.S. military. Authorities are currently tracing the source of the package and analyzing the composition of the white powder.