Posted on 02/16/2003 9:49:03 AM PST by LurkedLongEnough
LONG HILL TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities in New Jersey, where at least five anthrax-laden letters were mailed in 2001, closed another post office after white powder fell from a package containing a threatening letter.
An initial test was negative for anthrax, but a secondary test was inconclusive, Postal Service spokesman Tony Esposito said. He said one employee came in contact with the powder but didn't appear to have symptoms.
The post office was closed Saturday as a precaution, pending tests by the state health department.
The substance was discovered Friday night when a postmark machine stamped a padded envelope addressed to an eastern Pennsylvania residence and the powder spilled out, Esposito told The Star-Ledger of Newark. He wouldn't say what town the letter was destined for.
The substance was discovered Friday night when a postmark machine stamped a padded envelope addressed to an eastern Pennsylvania residence and the powder spilled out, Esposito told The Star-Ledger of Newark. He wouldn't say what town the letter was destined for.
Five stores surrounding the post office branch were also closed through Saturday afternoon.
New Jersey became a focus of anthrax fears in 2001, when tainted letters stamped with Trenton postmarks were sent to NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw, the New York Post and the Washington, D.C., offices of Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Sen. Patrick Leahy. Five people died and 13 others were sickened in anthrax attacks.
The FBI has yet to name a suspect, though officials say there are about 30 ``persons of interest.''
The post office closed Saturday is about 45 miles north of Trenton.
Yes, I wondered about that myself. Like the writer was trying to say, This is the next line of attack, get ready....
Yes, the only think that should go inside an envelope -- is a letter.
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