The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a "suspicious substance" was mailed to a Nashville courthouse, leading to an evacuation. According to WKRN, an envelope containing the substance was sent to the Finance Office on the first floor of the Historic Courthouse downtown Wednesday morning (March 17). The courthouse holds many Metro offices, including that of Mayor John Cooper, who was also evacuated.
The Nashville Fire Department responded to the scene at 1 Public Square as did hazmat crews, who were working to identify the suspicious "white powder" substance. During their investigation, a decontamination area was set up outside the courthouse to ensure the safety of first responders in the event the substance proved to be dangerous.
According to WSMV, a woman who opened the envelope reported having trouble breathing and was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but was considered to be in non-critical condition. A security guard was also isolated as a precaution after being near the substance.
After hazmat crews removed the envelope, the fire department said no dangerous substance was identified. An all-clear was given around 11 a.m. and people were allowed back into the courthouse.
The FBI was notified and will conduct an investigation to identify the substance as well as the identity of the person or person who sent the envelope.
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