The Metropolitan Police Bomb Squad responded to the scene. After examining the area, they concluded that the box and the flashlight were to be treated as potential explosives devices. They shot a water cannon at the two items, effectively rendering them safe. The Bomb Squad contacted the Evidence Response Team (ERT) of the FBI's Washington Field Office (WFO) after disabling the wooden box and flashlight. The ERT collected, classified, and packaged the pieces, while WFO assigned a Case Agent to lead the investigation.