Why white house lockdown on white powder in email
On August 11, 2004, the White House was placed on lockdown after a suspicious envelope containing white powder was received at the White House mail screening facility. The incident was later determined to be a hoax, but it caused a significant disruption to the normal operations of the White House.
Here's what happened:
- Around 10:30 am, a mailroom employee at the White House noticed an envelope with a white powdery substance inside. The employee immediately notified the Secret Service, who responded quickly to the scene.
- The Secret Service evacuated the area and cordoned off the surrounding streets. The White House was placed on lockdown, and all visitors were prevented from entering the complex.
- The FBI was called in to investigate, and a team of agents and hazardous materials experts was dispatched to the scene.
- The white powder was later determined to be harmless, and it was identified as a common household substance, likely talcum powder or baking soda.
- The FBI launched an investigation to identify the sender of the envelope and determine the motive behind the hoax.
The lockdown caused significant disruptions to the White House's normal operations, including the cancellation of tours and meetings. The incident also caused a significant amount of anxiety and concern among the public, as well as among the staff and officials who work at the White House.
In the aftermath of the incident, the FBI and the Secret Service increased their security protocols and procedures for handling suspicious mail and packages. The incident also highlighted the importance of vigilance and preparedness in responding to potential threats to national security.
It's worth noting that this was not the first time that the White House had been targeted with a suspicious package or envelope. In the years leading up to this incident, there had been several other incidents involving suspicious mail and packages at the White House, including a 2001 incident in which a package containing a white powder was sent to the White House and later determined to be harmless.