Suspicious package containing ‘white powder’ was delivered to Maryland US military base. Then soldiers fell ill

A suspicious package containing white powder was delivered to a U.S. military base in Maryland, causing several people to fall ill and leading to multiple hospitalizations, according to a report by CNN.

Joint Base Andrews, located just outside Washington, D.C., said in a statement that one of its buildings was evacuated after someone opened the suspicious package.

“As a precaution, the building and connecting building were evacuated, and a cordon was established around the area,” the statement said.

Several people were transported to the Malcolm Grove Medical Center on the base, CNN said.

The extent of their illnesses was not known.

Why is Joint Base Andrews important?

Joint Base Andrews is famously known as the home base for Air Force One, the aircraft used to transport the President of the United States.

JBA is the primary base for the 89th Airlift Wing, which operates the VC-25A aircraft, i.e., call sign Air Force One when the President is aboard.

It provides global airlift for the President, Vice President, Cabinet members, Congress, and other VIPs using specialised aircraft like C-32A ("Air Force Two"), C-40B/C, and C-37A.

Its proximity to the White House, Pentagon, and Capitol makes it ideal for continuity of government operations.

In emergencies, JBA serves as a launch point for evacuating senior leaders. During the 9/11 terrorist attack, it supported airborne command posts.

JBA also hosts multiple major commands, including the Air Force District of Washington (AFDW), which oversees Air Force operations in the national capital region.

It also supports NORAD and NORTHCOM with airborne early warning and command aircraft such as E-4B “Doomsday Plane”.

Buildings evacuated

Two buildings at Joint Base Andrews were evacuated on Thursday, according to a report by CBS News citing a base spokesperson.

“Joint Base Andrews first responders were dispatched to the scene, determined there were no immediate threats, and have turned the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations. An investigation is currently ongoing.”

“No immediate threat”

The package contained an unknown white powder, said CNN, citing two sources familiar with the investigation.

Joint Base Andrews first responders had determined there was no immediate threat and had turned the scene over to the Office of Special Investigations, said CNN.

An initial field test from the HAZMAT team did not detect anything hazardous, but the investigation remains ongoing, added CNN, citing one of the sources familiar with the matter.

CNN said that the room where the envelope was opened, located in a building that houses the Air National Guard Readiness Center, had been closed.

The U.S. Department of Defense and Joint Base Andrews did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

(With inputs from Reuters)