Crime & Safety
2 Hospitalized After Suspicious Package In Austin IRS Site Found
FBI officials are investigating after two workers at the South Austin Internal Revenue Service building were felled by powdery substance.
SOUTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — FBI agents descended on an IRS building facility in southeast Austin on Friday afternoon after two workers were hospitalized after encountering a suspicious package, officials said.
The package was sent to the facility off Interstate 35 near Woodward Street, the FBI confirmed. Two women were felled after the package opened in the mail room of the facility dispersed an unknown powdery substance, the FBI and other law enforcement officials said of the incident that occurred just before 1:30 p.m.
Austin-EMS medics confirmed both women were hospitalized for injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening. All told, medics said 18 people were evacuated from the building while noting only two were transported for medical treatment.
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#FBI responded this afternoon to Austin IRS building. A package dispersed a suspicious substance when opened and exposed several employees. At least one employee reported negative reaction & is receiving medical care. Agents on scene assessing the substance.
— FBI SanAntonio (@FBISanAntonio) November 30, 2018
Along with FBI agents, officers with the Austin Police Department are at the scene investigating the incident centered on the IRS building located at 3651 South Interstate 35 frontage road. The site is in close proximity to St. Edward's University, between Congress Avenue and I-35.
FINAL "suspicious" package incident ~3600 S I35 Svrd NB: 18 people involved. 16 of those are NO Patients. 2 adult females transported to Dell Seton with non life threatening complaints. EMS will be clearing scene shortly. No further information available.
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) November 30, 2018
Multiple assets from #ATCEMS, @AustinFireInfo & @Austin_Police on scene ~3600 S I35 Svrd NB for a report of a "suspicious" package. #ATCEMSMedics evaluating 1 possible patient for transport. Expect increased public safety in area. Watch for responders, avoid the area if possible.
— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) November 30, 2018
FBI will now be handling this investigation. Media staging area will be at the main entrance of the IRS building near frontage of IH-35 and Ben White. -APD PIO https://t.co/JHNWT2Lfo8
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) November 30, 2018
Austin police are expected to stage a media briefing with more details later on Friday afternoon, officials said. Patch will update as more details are known.
Find out what's happening in South Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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