(UPDATE JUNE 19 – No harmful biological agents were discovered in the powder. Police Chief Steve Hansen said the investigation remains open.)
PULLMAN, Wash. – White powder discovered near two entrances to the Washington State University student union building is being analyzed for biological agents, but early tests have cleared the material as being chemical or radiological hazards.
Steve Hansen, WSU police chief, said the report came in about 8:30 a.m. concerning a white powder near the ATM machine on the south side of the Compton Union Building. Investigators found white powder also at the east entrance.
Environmental Health and Safety and Radiation Safety staff members took samples of the materials to a campus laboratory. Shortly after 11 a.m., EH&S staff prepared to clean the two areas.
A preliminary report is expected on Friday, and additional test results will be available on Monday.
The CUB was not evacuated, but the post office, located on the ground floor, was closed shortly after the incident report came in. The east entrance remains closed at least until the Friday report is filed.
Hansen asks anyone who has information about the incident to call the police dispatch center at (509) 332-2521.
