Cordell Hull shut down after Tennessee Republican leaders were sent an unknown ‘white powder’

Members of the Tennessee House Republican leadership received letters Thursday morning containing an unknown white powder.

Republican Caucus press secretary Jennifer Easton was in the building when it was discovered.

“The letters contained an obvious threat made by a liberal activist, specifically targeting Republicans. The sixth floor of the Cordell Hull building is on lockdown currently, while Homeland Security investigates,” Easton said at 1 p.m.

Cordell Hull houses the offices for all elected state lawmakers. The sixth floor includes House leadership, such as House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Majority Leader William Lamberth.

“It was a white powdery substance that I am told is like an over-the-counter, perhaps, pain reliever or something like that. That was supposedly determined after testing,” said Ken Jobe, the Democratic Caucus press secretary.

Jobe said the letters were sent to several members of the Tennessee House, but mentioned that letters containing a white substance were also sent to Kansas lawmakers earlier this week.

Everyone in the building was safe following the incident. Just after 2 p.m., lawmakers on the sixth floor were given the all-clear, allowing them to leave after more than two hours in place.

The FBI confirms to WPLN News that it has taken over the investigation from local and state law enforcement.

“Laboratory testing is ongoing but at this time has not indicated a risk to public safety,” the bureau said in a press release Thursday afternoon. “The FBI would also like to remind everyone to exercise care in handling mail, especially from unrecognized senders. If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately.”

This is a developing story. Some things that get reported early on, by the media or law enforcement, could later turn out to be wrong. WPLN News will have updates as the situation develops.

This story was last updated at 3:05 p.m.