A suspicious package delivered to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland caused several individuals to fall ill and led to a full evacuation of one of its buildings, according to a CNN report on Thursday.
Base officials said the incident began when a person opened a package that contained an unidentified white powder. Several people who were nearby experienced symptoms of illness and were taken to Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, located on the base. Their conditions have not been publicly released.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
Authorities immediately evacuated the affected building and an adjacent facility as a precaution. A security perimeter was established around the site, and first responders were dispatched to assess the situation. Officials stated there was “no immediate threat” after an initial assessment by HAZMAT teams.
“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,” the base said in a statement. “An investigation is currently ongoing.”
Unknown Substance and Ongoing Investigation
Sources familiar with the investigation told CNN that the suspicious package contained an unidentified white powder. Early field tests by HAZMAT units did not detect any hazardous substances. However, authorities said they are continuing to analyze the material to determine its composition and potential risks.
The U.S. Department of Defense and base officials have not yet issued an official comment to confirm the cause of the incident or the source of the package.
Heightened Security Concerns
Joint Base Andrews, located just outside Washington, D.C., is home to Air Force One and serves as a key facility for U.S. defense operations. The base has experienced several security-related incidents in recent years, leading to tightened screening procedures for mail and visitors.
Officials emphasized that while no immediate danger was detected, the investigation is ongoing and all precautionary measures remain in place until the substance is fully identified.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns about security threats targeting U.S. military installations, particularly through suspicious or hazardous materials sent via mail delivery systems.