Suspicious Package Containing White Powder Prompts Evacuation at Joint Base Andrews

Several personnel at Joint Base Andrews were rushed to hospital Thursday afternoon after a suspicious envelope containing white powder and political propaganda was opened in a facility housing the Air National Guard Readiness Center.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. when the package was opened, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building. Those exposed were transported to the on-base Malcolm Grove Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.

“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,” base officials stated in a release. They confirmed an investigation is currently ongoing.

The room where the envelope was opened remains closed off as authorities investigate the contents. According to a CNN source, initial field tests conducted by a HAZMAT team did not detect any dangerous substances, raising questions about what might have caused personnel to fall ill.

Investigators are examining political propaganda materials that reportedly accompanied the white powder. Officials have not yet disclosed whether the package targeted a specific individual or department at the high-security installation.

Joint Base Andrews serves as a critical transportation hub for senior government officials, including the president, vice president, and members of Congress who utilize the facility for official travel. The base hosts Air Force One and is located just outside Washington, D.C., making it one of the most strategically important military installations in the region.

The timing is notable as President Trump had visited the base just one day before the incident occurred.

This event follows a similar occurrence last month when a federal office building in New York City housing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Department of Homeland Security offices was evacuated after employees discovered an envelope containing white powder.

Security experts note these incidents come during a period of heightened political tensions across the country. The nation is currently experiencing its longest-ever government shutdown, which has left federal employees working without pay for weeks and millions of Americans without access to food stamps.

The political climate has grown increasingly volatile following Tuesday’s elections, which saw Democrats score significant victories nationwide. In New York City, progressive Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race with 50.4 percent of the vote, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of America’s largest city. Democrats also secured important victories in Virginia and New Jersey.

President Trump acknowledged the shutdown’s impact on Republican losses during a breakfast with GOP senators on Wednesday, stating: “I think if you read the pollsters, the shutdown was a big factor – negative for the Republicans.”

Threats against government officials have increased in recent months. In August, a 50-year-old Indiana woman was arrested after making threats against the president, while just days ago, an Illinois man was charged with threatening to execute President Trump in a social media video.

Security protocols at military installations and federal facilities remain at elevated levels as authorities continue to investigate this latest incident at Joint Base Andrews.

Officials have not provided information about when the affected building might reopen or the condition of those transported for medical evaluation.