AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Authorities say a powdery substance mailed to a Texas state senator has been determined to be non-threatening after officials closed part of the Capitol to investigate.
The Department of Public Safety ordered part of the East Wing basement closed after Sen. Kel Seliger’s office reported receiving an envelope with the substance inside. The Austin Fire Department sent in hazardous materials crews to investigate.
DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said investigators determined the powder to be not dangerous. Vinger said the envelope was mailed from a state prison and that authorities would investigate.
The Capitol has since re-opened.
Seliger, an Amarillo Republican, said he didn’t know if it came with a threatening note.
The Capitol’s basement mainly houses lawmakers’ offices. Authorities blocked off the area with police tape and stationed troopers outside.