2013 Ricin Investigation

Washington, D.C. — Earlier today the United States Capitol Police (USCP) was notified by the Senate mail handling facility that it received an envelope containing a white granular substance. The envelope was immediately quarantined by the facility's personnel and USCP HAZMAT responded to the scene. Preliminary tests indicate the substance found was Ricin.

The material is being forwarded to an accredited laboratory for further analysis.

The USCP is partnering with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate this incident. This is an ongoing investigation.

This is a controlled event at an off-site facility. Operations at the Capitol Complex have not been affected as a result of the preliminary investigation.

We will continue to keep our stakeholders apprised of any new information as it develops.

* * * * * *