Politics & Government

Parts of Capitol Hill Evacuated After Suspicious Packages, Envelope Found

Police reportedly are questioning a man in connection with the discoveries.

Sections of the U.S. Capitol, Hart Senate Office Building and Russell Senate Office Building were evacuated Wednesday morning due to suspicious items found on site, CNN reports.

According to the news channel, suspicious packages were found on the first and third floors of Hart, while a suspicious envelope was located in the office of Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby.

Police have stopped and are questioning a man wearing a backpack that contained additional sealed envelopes, CNN writes. 

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Riverdale Park Councilman Jonathan Ebbeler (Ward 1) sent the above photo of evacuated U.S. Senate staff to Patch.

The evacuations come soon after reports that an envelope containing the deadly toxin ricin was discovered at an off-site Capitol mail processing facility. A similar suspicious letter may have been sent to President Barack Obama, as well.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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