Street Reopens After Unknown White Powder Found In Groton: UPDATE

GROTON, CT — Police said they are investigating a possible hate crime after an unknown white powdery substance was found in an envelope at the Islamic Center of New London, located at 16 Fort Street. The incident was reported Friday morning at approximately 8:49 a.m.

According to a news release, police said a 43-year-old man had been exposed to the powder while opening a letter in the upstairs study of the center.

"With the assistance of the City of Groton Fire Department an inner and outer perimeter was established, immediately confining and isolating the area of exposure," police said in a release. "Only the 43-year-old male was exposed, Fort Street was closed for police operations and neighbors asked to shelter in place."

Police said no one was evacuated as a result of the incident.

According to police, City of Groton Detectives and the Chief of Police responded to the scene and the Emergency Services Unit of the Connecticut State Police, a Hazardous Materials Team from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ledge Light Health District personnel were summoned to assist.

Police said the powder was reviewed at the scene by responding technicians, seized and sent to the state lab for further analysis. Both the center and Fort Street were reopened at approximately 12:15 p.m.

No one was injured and the area of exposure was confined, immediately limiting its scope, police said. There was no immediate danger to surrounding residents, police said.

"City of Groton Police Detectives are investigating, as is the FBI," police said. "This agency is treating this incident as a hate crime against worshipers at our local Mosque."

Police said this case is under investigation.

"We ask residents if you see something say something," police said, "and our in house dispatch is available for city residents at all times at 860-445-2451."

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Photo credit: Patch graphic