Firefighters and paramedics investigated a report of white powder at the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building, according to the FDNY.
Emergency crews received the report around 4 p.m. Wednesday with concern about possible powder at the Lower Manhattan courthouse. A white substance was found in an envelope sent to the building through the mail, leading to potential exposure for seven people, according to the state’s Office of Court Administration.
Court staffers quickly sealed the 12th-floor location and quarantined affected employees, while also ensuring the building’s ventilation system was properly shut down, an OCA spokesperson said. The NYPD and FDNY were notified as well.
As a precaution, seven people were tended to by emergency crews, according to a law enforcement source. No injuries were immediately reported, the OCA spokesperson said.
A large response from first responders could be seen on the streets and sidewalk nearby. An investigation was ongoing.
NBC New York
NBC New York