The offices of the Gov. Bill Richardson and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish in Santa Fe have been evacuated following the discovery today of an unidentified, white substance that was delivered in an envelope.
The offices were evacuated at 2:15 p.m., and the state police emergency response team and U.S. Postmaster are on scene, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
A portion of the governor’s office was sealed off once the substance was discovered. Several staff members and security officers who were in the vicinity at the time the envelope was opened are currently being quarantined until the substance is identified. Capitol building security initially evacuated the rest of the building as a precautionary measure, although the building is once again open except for the fourth floor, where the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor are located.
The Santa Fe Police Department, Santa Fe Fire Department and state Department of Homeland Security are also assisting in the investigation.
Update, 4:35 p.m.
New Mexico is apparently one of at least eight states where this has happened.