The FBI is investigating the sending of multiple suspicious packages to military bases and CIA HQs in the Washington D.C. area, officials stated on Monday. The FBI had taken custody of the packages that one official stated was more than 10 of these crude devices.
They said packages were sent to the CIA, Fort Belvoir and Fort McNair. A US official said a Naval Support Facility in Dahlgren, Virginia, also received a suspicious package and that the FBI is leading the investigation.
A law enforcement official told CNN there were more than 10 devices. All were very crude, involving black powder, and would not have caused fatalities had they gone off, the official said.
At least one package, sent to the National Defense University at Fort McNair in Washington, DC, contained explosive material and was ultimately rendered safe. That package arrived at 8:30 a.m. ET and the building was evacuated immediately, according to Army spokesman Michael L. Howard.
“At 12:10 p.m., 52nd Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal from Fort Belvoir, VA, confirmed the package tested positive for black powder and residue,” Howard said in a statement. “The X-ray conducted indicates suspected GPS and an expedient fuse were attached. The package was rendered safe. No injuries are reported.”
Scanning machines at the facilities detected the suspicious materials upon receipt and the packages are being examined at the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, the law enforcement official said.
The National Defense University at Fort McNair was cleared for re-entry after K-9 sweep and personnel returned to the building by 1:15 pm ET.
Another Army spokesman confirmed a suspicious package incident at Fort Belvoir and said that package has been rendered safe.
Another package was sent to the CIA on Monday, according to a US official. Further details about the package intended for the CIA were not provided.
The FBI’s crime lab at Quantico, VA was heading up the investigation.
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Photo courtesy: File photo US Army