Suspicious packages at DC-area military bases investigated, rendered safe, officials say
WASHINGTON - Suspicious packages were investigated and have been declared safe in at least four military bases in the D.C. region.
Officials say a suspicious package was received at the National Defense University on Fort McNair at around 8:30 a.m. Monday in Washington D.C. The FBI, Secret Service, Hazmat and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit responded to the scene.
The building was evacuated and the 52nd Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Fort Belvoir examined the package. It tested positive for black powder and residue. An x-ray of the package indicated a suspected GPS and an expedient fuse were attached, and the package was rendered safe, Army officials say.
There were no injuries reported.
After a sweep by a K-9 team, personnel were allowed to return to the building at 1:15 p.m.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling says it investigated a suspicious package early Monday afternoon that was deemed safe.
Fort Belvoir in Virginia confirmed to FOX 5 that they had a suspicious incident on Monday and it has been contained and was deemed safe.
Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in King George County in Virginia also received a suspicious package at around 11 a.m. Monday. It was also found to be safe, officials say.
"The FBI responded to multiple government facilities today for the reports of suspicious packages. Each package was collected for further analysis by the FBI," said Nicole Schwab, a spokesperson for the FBI Washington Field Office.
These incidents come after 11 people were sickened when an envelope containing an unknown substance was opened inside a building at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia in February.
Nearly two weeks ago, 16 employees were evaluated at the D.C. Department of Corrections after being exposed to a substance in a package received in the mailroom. The substance was first thought to be fentanyl, but fire officials later determined it was synthetic cannabinoid.