Eleven sick after envelope opened at US military base
An envelope containing an ‘unknown substance’ was opened at a US base near Washington on 27 February, leaving 11 people sick, including military personnel, officials said.
The envelope was received at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, leading to an evacuation of the building, the US Marine Corps said in a statement.
The statement read: ‘Base officials are coordinating with local HAZMAT teams and FBI. Several Marines are receiving medical care as a result of this incident. No additional details are available at this time as the investigation is ongoing.’
The Arlington Fire Department tweeted that ‘11 people started feeling ill after letter was opened in consolidated admin building'.
CNN reported that a corporal, gunnery sergeant and a colonel complained of a ‘burning sensation’ on their hands and face.
Marine spokesman Major Brian Block said it was too soon to say whether the incident was being considered a terror attack.
Block told AFP: ‘It's way too early to start speculating on any of that, we have to wait and let the investigators do their jobs.’
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall overlooks Arlington Cemetery just across the Potomac River from Washington.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?]()
Can the US overcome Russian and Chinese nuclear capabilities?
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
