The FBI has launched an investigation after several Tennessee Republican state congressmen received letters containing a suspicious substance inside. The letters arrived at the legislators' offices located in the Cordell Hull Building, part of the state Capitol.
Federal authorities reported that, in principle, the substance found did not pose any danger. " Laboratory testing is ongoing but at this time has not indicated a risk to public safety. Additional testing will be needed to fully identify the unknown substance in the letters," they said in a statement obtained by WZTV.
Faced with the potential threat of the substance, the Tennessee Fire Department along with the FBI and agents from other law enforcement agencies came to Cordell Hull prepared to act if the situation escalated:
Our personnel responded to a suspicious letter call at the Cordell Hull Building. They donned protective suits and air tanks to test the substance. @THPNashville @FBI @DHSgov have personnel on the scene investigating. We have made no transports and have no reports of injuries. pic.twitter.com/D2WCEDcTig
— Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) June 22, 2023
Republican Caucus of the Tennessee House of Representatives called the action "obvious threats" on its Twitter account, in addition to confirming that part of the legislative building was closed for a few hours:
TN House GOP leaders received letters containing an unknown substance. The letters contained obvious threats by a liberal activist specifically targeting us. 6th fl. of CHB remains on lockdown while 1st responders investigate. All employees & members in the building are safe.
— TN House Republicans (@tnhousegop) June 22, 2023
