Hazmat teams deployed to New York Cityโ€™s federal plaza after envelopes of white powder found


Hazmat teams have been deployed to a federal government building in New York City after envelopes containing a mysterious white powder were discovered, authorities said.

Just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, the New York City Fire Department received a report of white powder on the 9th floor of 26 Federal Plaza, a spokesperson told The Independent.

The building in downtown Manhattan is home to an immigration court and detention center. The 9th floor is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.

The building has been evacuated and no injuries were reported, the FDNY said.

โ€œNew Yorkers, I have been preliminarily briefed on the matter unfolding at 26 Federal Plaza where envelopes containing white powder were discovered. I want to also reassure you that there are no known injuries at this time,โ€ the mayor wrote on X Thursday evening.

A mysterious white powder was discovered at 26 Federal Plaza, home to an ICE field office, on Thursday afternoon

A mysterious white powder was discovered at 26 Federal Plaza, home to an ICE field office, on Thursday afternoon (Getty Images)

โ€œWhile we await test results from our federal partners, @FDNY Hazmat teams are on the ground to ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside of the building.โ€

The operation is ongoing, according to FDNY.

Protesters outside the government building amid President Donald Trumpโ€™s anti-immigration crackdown

Protesters outside the government building amid President Donald Trumpโ€™s anti-immigration crackdown (Getty Images)

Itโ€™s not immediately clear where the substance came from.

The Independent has reached out to FDNY for more information

This is a developing story.

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