Update on Veterans’ Health Administration Hospital Incident

The FBI and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigation Division, have received the preliminary laboratory results on an envelope received at the VA Health Administration Hospital in Portland on Wednesday, October 5. Those preliminary lab results showed no harmful substances. In addition, field tests conducted on-scene found no harmful substances. Final laboratory results are expected tomorrow at the latest.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Wednesday, six people at the hospital reported feeling ill after one employee opened a letter. Initial reports indicated that the letter may have contained a powdery substance, but further investigation and interviews conducted today show that there was neither a powder nor any other kind of substance visible in or on the letter.

Investigators have made contact with the sender of the letter, and they have determined that there was no threat stated or intended. They will continue to try to determine what caused the employees’ health concerns.

The FBI and VA OIG-CID are working this case jointly with the assistance of the Portland Fire Bureau.