Defense Dept. Flags Two Packages Delivered to Pentagon Which Tested Positive for Ricin
JUST IN: Ricin detected in mail sent to the Pentagon https://t.co/tCnUmuODAb pic.twitter.com/RA1p5AjZdI
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) October 2, 2018
Officials at the Defense Department’s mail processing center have put a hold on a number of packages after they reportedly tested positive for poisonous substances.
Multiple reports indicate that two pieces of mail addressed to the Pentagon are suspected of containing ricin — a highly toxic agent which has been used in the past for terror plots. CNN reports that the packages tested positive for the substance. The packages never made it inside the Pentagon’s main building since they were put into quarantine after being screened at the mail facility next door.
Defense officials have told several outlets that the FBI is investigating the matter and will conduct further tests with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. No one has been evacuated or been reported injured yet in connection with this incident.
UPDATE: In a separate but related development, two people have reportedly been hospitalized after being exposed to a suspicious substance that arrived in the mail at Senator Ted Cruz‘s (R-TX) office in Houston. A hazmat team is addressing the matter.
NEWS: A hazmat team was dispatched to Ted Cruz's campaign office in Houston this morning to investigate a mailed envelope containing a powdery white substance. It's not yet clear whether it is toxic or not. https://t.co/fhxzxmbMpt
— Haley Byrd (@byrdinator) October 2, 2018
#BREAKING 2 hospitalized after exposure to powdery substance at Sen. Cruz office in Houstonhttps://t.co/wn89z73sV3
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) October 2, 2018
Watch above, via CNN.
[Photo via Screengrab]
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