Powder sent to Phoenix banks not hazardous, officials say
by The Associated Press on Oct. 23, 2008, under Edge, Local, SpecialPHOENIX – Federal officials said Thursday that white powder sent to nine Chase Bank branches in the Phoenix area has tested negative for hazardous materials.
The powder was sent in threatening letters mailed to banks in Phoenix, Mesa and Gilbert. The mailings were found Wednesday.
In each case, the bank was evacuated after the letters were found. No one was injured.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service say in a joint release that the powder was collected and sent to the bioterrorism lab at the Arizona Department of Health Services.
A Chase official has said the letters were similar to others that have shown up since Monday at Chase Bank branches in about a dozen cities across the country.
