An evacuation at the Horry County Government and Justice Center on Friday was caused by a letter containing a white powder, according to a report from Horry County.
On Friday, staff of the Horry County Solicitor’s Office received a letter through the U.S. Post Office that contained “a white powder,” the report said. The center was evacuated as a result and a hazardous materials unit responded.
The powder was reportedly examined and “determined not to be threat to public health.”
The center was later declared safe. Employees and staff were allowed to return.
Brooke Holden, with Horry County Government, previously told News13 that the solicitor’s office received an envelope on Friday containing a suspicious substance that was opened by an employee.
“The building was evacuated shortly after 1 p.m. as standard protocol,” said Holden.
People were evacuated from the building for nearly four hours. During that time, those who came in contact with the substance were quarantined. No one was injured.
The USPS is assisting the Horry County Sheriff’s Office with an ongoing investigation.
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