Woman Throwing Powder Prompts Evacuation at U.S. Attorney's Office

A woman is in custody after throwing an unidentified powdery substance in the reception area of the U.S. attorney's office in Providence, prompting an evacuation.

A woman was taken into custody after throwing an unidentified powdery substance inside the U.S. attorney's office in Providence, but tests show it likely was harmless.

U.S. attorney spokesman Jim Martin says Providence Fire Department tests show the substance is likely to have been baby powder. Additional testing is being done.

Martin says the woman entered the 8th floor reception area Wednesday morning, talked to a federal security officer, then threw the powder on the floor and elsewhere. He would not comment on what the woman said to the guard. Her name was not released.

Martin says four people had to be decontaminated, including the woman, the security officer on duty and the first two firefighters who responded to the scene.

The office was temporarily evacuated.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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