BOISE, ID – A who’s who of first responders surrounded the Idaho Statehouse today. All because of a bomb threat and suspicious white powder. The Capitol reopened after a few hours.
Police cars, fire trucks, and black SUVS cordoned off the Idaho Statehouse. As vehicles idled in the streets, the capitol steps framed men in white hazmat suits as they tested for biological weapons. Soon after Boise Police dogs trotted up the steps to sniff throughout the building for explosives. Robert Feeley is a spokesman for the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.
Robert Feeley: “The building has been searched for both bombs and has been cleared of suspicious powders and it has been opened again for the occupants to return.”
But earlier that morning the situation was far from clear as someone at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office opened an envelope. It contained white powder and a note that claimed it was anthrax. And it said there was a bomb in the building. The Capitol was soon evacuated and a handful of people had to be quarantined. Feeley says the powder was acetaminophen also known as Tylenol.
Robert Feeley: “The substance will be taken to the Idaho State Lab for further testing to make sure that this substance is in fact benign and is not harmful to people.”
Feeley says those that were quarantined have been allowed to leave. He adds the letter has been given to law enforcement for investigation.
Copyright 2011 Boise State Public Radio