The constructing at 26 Federal Plaza in Decrease Manhattan was evacuated on Thursday afternoon following experiences of an unknown white powder.
The FDNY mentioned a name got here in simply earlier than 4 p.m. saying the powder was reported discovered on the ninth ground of the constructing, which is house to the Division of Homeland Safety and the New York Metropolis area workplace of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, amongst different companies. A hazmat unit was dispatched to the scene to research.
At a night information convention, officers mentioned they’re awaiting take a look at outcomes on the powder, which was in 4 separate envelopes, including these envelopes would even be despatched to FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.
Officers mentioned two individuals had been uncovered to the powder.
Christopher Rhea, the assistant director of the FBI’s New York Metropolis area workplace, mentioned, “Weapons of Mass Destruction and Hazard Proof response groups instantly responded to the scene. The constructing was evacuated as per customary protocol and proper now no risk stays to any staff or the general public presently.”
Officers are asking individuals to keep away from the realm as they proceed to research.
Earlier, Mayor Eric Adams addressed the scenario on social media.
“New Yorkers, I’ve been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza the place envelopes containing white powder had been found. I need to additionally reassure you that there aren’t any identified accidents presently,” Adams wrote. “Whereas we await take a look at outcomes from our federal companions, @FDNY Hazmat groups are on the bottom to make sure the protection of everybody inside and out of doors of the constructing.”
Debate continues on what is going on on at 26 Federal Plaza
The constructing at 26 Federal Plaza has been the scene of quite a few detainments by ICE brokers following routine immigration hearings. It has additionally been the location of a number of protests, alleging immigrants are being held in deplorable situations.
DHS maintains the constructing just isn’t a detention heart and says allegations of overcrowding or poor situations are “categorically false.”
“It’s a processing heart the place unlawful aliens are briefly processed to be transferred to an ICE detention facility,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin mentioned in a latest assertion to CBS Information New York. “All detainees are supplied with correct meals, medical remedy, and have alternatives to speak with their relations and attorneys. As we arrest and take away felony unlawful aliens and public security threats from the U.S., ICE has labored diligently to acquire higher needed detention area whereas avoiding overcrowding.”
A federal choose on Tuesday mentioned he would block the Trump administration from utilizing the constructing to carry immigrants dealing with deportation except it reduces the variety of detainees and improves situations on the web site, together with by offering sleeping mats and hygiene merchandise.
U.S. District Choose Lewis Kaplan issued the non permanent restraining order after holding a listening to earlier Tuesday. A authorities lawyer conceded in courtroom that these detained by ICE on the facility didn’t have entry to sure companies, together with sleeping mats, in-person authorized visits, treatment and greater than two meals per day.
Please stick with CBS Information New York for extra on this creating story.
