Just when we thought anthrax scares had gone the way of stone-washed denim and platform shoes, a Memphis federal employee opens an envelope filled with white powder.
The incident occurred yesterday afternoon at the Clifford Davis Federal Building. Containment procedures were immediately implemented and the Memphis Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team responded. However, the substance was determined to be talcum powder.
“No doubt the letter was intended to disrupt operations and scare personnel,” said David G. Jolley, United States Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee.
An investigation has been launched to determine who is responsible for the hoax.