AKRON, Ohio — Following an investigation of a suspicious white substance and bomb threat, Akron Fire has confirmed that investigators did not find a bomb inside the John F. Seiberling Federal Building.
On Wednesday afternoon, Akron Fire Chief Joseph Natko gave an update on the current situation at the federal building in Akron.
Initially, Akron Fire responded to a hazmat investigation after a white substance was found in an envelope just before 9:44 p.m. Upon further investigation, it was determined the white substance was not a hazardous material. A woman was exposed to the powder and taken to Akron General Medical Center, but was later released.
Inside the envelope with the substance, investigators found a note that stated there was a bomb inside the federal building, which prompted an investigation that included the FBI and Homeland Security. Upon further investigations, officials did not find a bomb inside.
Earlier on Wednesday, everyone within a block around the federal building had been evacuated. Those impacted by the evacuation were offered to go to the John S. Knight Center. Natko said that hazmat teams would go back into the federal building to make sure it is clear before employees reentered.
"I want to thank all of the responding organizations for their service today," Natko said. "This was an incredibly unique situation, and it was the swift response from all of our public safety teams that resolved the situation in a timely and through manner. I want to assure the Akron community that the area is now safe and open."
Akron Fire announced on Twitter that West Market Street between Rand Street and Broadway and South Main Street between MLK Boulevard and East Mill Street were closed due to the situation. The Cleveland FBI released the following statement on the bomb threat:
"The FBIs Akron Resident Agency and Joint Terrorism Task Force responded to a request and are providing assistance to the Akron Fire Department regarding an incident earlier today at the Akron Courthouse. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement that could represent a threat to public safety."
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Jan. 2, 2023.