State Capitol evacuated after white powder found
Authorities ordered legislators, staff and visitors out of the State Capitol in Raleigh Monday afternoon after a staff member found white powder in a letter addressed to Gov. Bev Perdue, officials said.
Posted — Updated“It was inside the building and that was cordoned off immediately,” Perdue spokeswoman Chrissy Pearson said.
After several hours, the letter was removed from the building and transported to a state lab for testing, Raleigh Fire Department Battalion Chief Brad Harvey said.
Investigators are trying to determine where the letter came from.
The two staff members who were exposed to the substance were treated and released. Harvey said they are OK.
Pearson said Perdue was never in any danger and all the proper steps were taken.
“Hopefully, this will just be an abundance of caution,” she said.
Harvey said the State Capitol Police will determine when the building can reopen.
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