Rep. Anthony Weiner’s office in Queens was sent a package with suspicious white powder in it today — with the writer complaining about the health care overhaul that was recently passed by the House, authorities said.
The FBI said Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queen), who voted for the legislation, received a letter that “could be interpreted as threatening.”
“The NYPD was immediately alerted and have responded appropriately by sending a Haz-Mat team,” Weiner said in a statement this afternoon, adding, “My first priority is the safety of my staff and neighbors, and the authorities are currently taking steps to investigate and resolve the situation.”
GUNFIRE REPORTED AT REP. CANTOR’S OFFICE
PELOSI CONDEMNS VIOLENT ATTACKS, THREATS
OBAMA DARES GOP TO REPEAL HEALTH LAW
NYPD field tests have ruled that the white powder sent is not hazardous.
Police say the letter was handwritten in block letters and made a threat related to Weiner’s vote on the sweeping federal health care legislation.
Workers were decontaminated as a precaution. More sophisticated lab testing would also be done to determine the substance.
The package with the powder was discovered around 3 p.m. at the office in Kew Gardens, which was closed as a precaution.
Weiner has been among the most outspoken members of Congress on the health care reform debate, and the incident came as a spate of threats are taking place at pro-health care Democrats who voted for the bill.
At least 10 members of Congress have reported some sort of threats, including obscenity-laced phone messages, since the bill was passed Sunday night.
No arrests have been reported in any of the incidents.
Ohio Rep. John Boccieri, one of eight Democrats who switched to “yes” on the most recent House vote, said he had received threats.
“Having flown missions in and out of Afghanistan, I know what it’s like to be in harm’s way. But I never imagined serving in Congress could feel the same,” said Boccieri, a major in the Air Force reserve. He did not elaborate on the threats.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke to reporters at the Capitol shortly after GOP lawmakers took the House floor, pleading with those who vehemently oppose the Democratic health care move to refrain from acts of violence and threats.
Opposition to the health care bill President Obama signed into law Tuesday is “no excuse for bigotry, threats or acts of vandalism,” said Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, the House’s third-ranked Republican.
With AP