At 409pm today Portland Fire & Rescue was sent to investigate a powder substance found in a ballot envelope at the Multnomah County Election Facility at 1040 SE Morrison. When crews arrived they found that three individuals had come in contact with the substance but they had no symptoms. The building was evacuated and the ventilation system was disabled as a precaution. PF&R Hazardous Materials Team sent an investigation team with protective suits and breathing apparatus to collect samples and begin the process of identifying the product. Dangerous substances such as Anthrax were ruled out but the investigation is currently ongoing. The Federal Bureau of Investigtion has taken over lead responsibility due to the fact that the incident took place at an election facility. Further inquiries are being forwarded to:

Hank Stern
Public Affairs Coordinator
Multnomah County Office of Communications
503-767-0622
henry.stern@multco.us<mailto:henry.stern@multco.us>

Contact info, for media use only:
Lt. Rich Chatman PIO, media pgr: 503-940-6003