COLVILLE, Wash. -- The FBI did not find any physical evidence of a chemical inside suspicious envelopes at Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers’ office in Colville.
Her office received three envelopes Friday, one of which was open. A letter inside of it referenced chemicals, but McMorris-Rodgers' secretary said it seems it was nothing more than threatening language.
Evidence has been sent to a local lab for testing. Results will be available next week.
A staffer who came in contact with the letter was examined, and is reportedly fine.
Environmental health specialists recommended a temporary shutdown and evacuation of nearby of the office and the rest of the building. Emergency officials told a pizza shop owner next door to go home, shower and change his clothes as a precaution. He said the scene was cleared by 2:00 Friday afternoon.
Capitol police and the FBI are investigating. Colville police assisted with the investigation.
Representatives from the Northeast Tri-County Health District were on scene, as well.
