White Powder Triggers Los Angeles City Hall HazMat Investigation

LOS ANGELES, CA — A white powdery substance discovered in the mail room at Los Angeles City Hall East, triggered a hazardous materials investigation and an emergency response Thursday.

The discovery was made shortly before 3 p.m. in the City Hall East first-floor mailroom at 201 North Main Street, according to Los Angeles Fire Spokeswoman Department Margaret Stewart.

Two people in the mailroom suffered from unknown medical complications and were treated at the scene by paramedics, she said.

"Resources will be on scene for an extended period and commuters are advised to seek alternate routes," Stewart advised.

Investigators with the fire department hazardous materials team and the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating to determine what the powder is and how it ended up in the City Hall mailroom.