A suspicious package delivered to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland led to several individuals falling ill and being taken to the hospital, according to CNN.
The incident occurred when a person opened a package containing an unidentified white powder. Following the discovery, a building and an adjoining facility on the base were evacuated as a precaution, and a safety cordon was established around the area.
“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area,” the base statement said.
Several affected individuals were transported to Malcolm Grove Medical Center located on the base. The severity of their conditions has not yet been disclosed. Initial field tests conducted by a hazmat team did not identify any hazardous substances, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Base first responders determined that there was no immediate danger and handed the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations for further review. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the white powder’s composition remains unknown.
Joint Base Andrews, situated near Washington, D.C., is widely known as the home base for Air Force One, the aircraft that carries the President of the United States.
The delivery of a package with white powder to Joint Base Andrews led to illness, evacuation, and hospitalizations, prompting an ongoing federal investigation into the incident.