Multiple individuals fell ill after a suspicious package was opened at Joint Base Andrews, the home base for Air Force One, prompting an emergency response and evacuation on Thursday. The incident, which occurred around 1 p.m., involved a package containing white powder and political propaganda, leading to several people reporting symptoms and requiring medical attention.
Authorities quickly evacuated the building where the package was opened and an adjacent structure, establishing a security cordon around the area. First responders, including hazardous materials teams, were dispatched to assess the situation and ensure no further threats were present. The base was temporarily locked down as a precautionary measure, though normal operations have since resumed after initial checks found no immediate dangers.
Those affected were immediately evaluated and treated by base medical personnel at the scene and later transported to Malcolm Grow Medical Center on the base for further assessment. All individuals were reported to be in stable condition and were released the same day, with no serious injuries reported from the exposure. The swift medical response helped prevent any long-term health issues, according to officials.
Initial field tests conducted by HAZMAT teams did not detect any hazardous substances in the white powder, but the investigation remains active. Officials are working to determine the exact contents of the package and the source of the political propaganda included, which has raised concerns about potential motives behind the delivery. The ongoing probe involves multiple agencies, including base security and federal investigators.
Joint Base Andrews is a critical military installation in Maryland, serving as the primary base for the fleet of presidential aircraft, including Air Force One and the ‘doomsday’ plane used for nuclear command and control. Its strategic importance makes any security incident there a matter of national significance, drawing immediate attention from defense and law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting high-value assets.
The event highlights ongoing security challenges at high-profile military facilities, particularly in an era of heightened political tensions. While the immediate threat has been neutralized, the incident underscores the need for vigilance in screening deliveries and protecting sensitive locations from potential threats. Similar past incidents have led to reviews of protocol, but this case adds to concerns about targeted actions against military infrastructure.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing security protocols and may implement additional measures to prevent similar occurrences. The quick response and minimal impact demonstrate the preparedness of base personnel, but the episode serves as a reminder of the persistent risks faced by military installations. Future steps could include enhanced screening procedures and increased awareness campaigns to mitigate such threats.