Letter to White House tests positive for cyanide
An envelope intended for the White House has tested positive for cyanide, according to a statement from the US Secret Service.
The Tuesday statement said the letter, received at an off-site mail screening facility, returned a “presumptive positive for cyanide” and was transferred to another site for further testing.
The Secret Service, which is responsible for US President Barack Obama's security, did not disclose if the letter was addressed to him or what had led the agents to test it.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, the Secret Service will have no additional comment,” the statement read.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, a number of letters infected with anthrax were sent to some figures in the Washington area, including the White House and members of Congress.
Ever since, letters bound for the White House are screened in remote locations for security purposes.
The Secret Service has been under fire in recent years for a series of security lapses and breaches in behavioral protocol including agents drinking while on or ahead of presidential trips.
Earlier in the day, the director of the scandal-plagued federal law enforcement agency admitted to a drinking problem among the staff.
“There's an element within our agency that does cope with stresses... by using alcohol," James Clancy told the House Appropriations Committee.
Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical compound deliberately used throughout history for the purpose of human poisoning.
NT/NT
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