Milwaukee Federal Courthouse HAZMAT call, building deemed safe
Milwaukee Federal Courthouse HAZMAT call
The Milwaukee Fire Department HAZMAT team responded to the Federal Courthouse downtown Friday, Aug. 11. A shelter in place was issued.
MILWAUKEE - A suspicious package shut down the downtown Milwaukee Federal Courthouse for hours Friday afternoon, Aug. 11 – those inside sheltering in place.
The Milwaukee Fire Department said someone believed they saw a powdery substance in an envelope, prompting the lockdown situation and HAZMAT response.
"The individuals thought they saw a powder, or something to that effect," said MFD Assistant Chief Schuyler Belott.
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U.S. Marshals said, around 2 p.m., they got a call about a suspicious package at the Secret Service Field Office located inside the building. HAZMAT crews suited up and went inside. MFD said crews tested for radiation, explosives and chemicals.
"We didn’t find any evidence to suggest that there was a powder," Belott said.
Courthouse HAZMAT response update
A Milwaukee Fire Department HAZMAT response formed at the Federal Courthouse downtown Friday.
Based on the condition of the people in the office where the envelope was opened, four people were evacuated, decontaminated and sent to a hospital for evaluation as a precaution. They did not show any symptoms.
"As they come out of the building, we have a portable shower system where we contain them, rinse them off, and collect their items and clothing and bag it up and transport them from there," said Belott.
Emergency response outside Federal Courthouse, Milwaukee
MFD said, after nothing hazardous was found, the all clear was given and people were allowed to leave.
"In our times, out of abundance of caution, if somebody believed they saw some powder – no matter what the nature of what the letter is – those things get reported," Belott said.
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As for the employees who sheltered in place, MFD checked their conditions just in case but no concerns for their welfare arose.
The U.S. Marshals Service said the incident remains under investigation.