'Suspicious' UPS packages at MSP airport under investigation

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - A Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport spokesperson confirmed Wednesday morning the FBI is investigating packages "of concern" that were to be shipped via UPS. FBI spokesman Kyle Loven also confirmed the "suspicious" packages were addressed to various government entities, and were found in the UPS cargo area at the airport Tuesday night.

Two sources “familiar with the investigation" told Fox 9 that a box with no address was leaking white powder. The box contained 3 envelopes that were labeled to the White House, the FBI and the governor's office.

The UPS cargo area was placed on lockdown at roughly 10:30 p.m. Tuesday as the investigation began. The 55th Civil Support team was called in with their experience with hazardous materials and chemical weapons. The UPS cargo area was decontaminated and the all-clear was given at 7 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Loven called them “isolated packages” and said they have been sent to the Minnesota Department of Health for analysis. The FBI will be conducting a formal investigation into the packages and their origin. 

A source close to the investigation said the powder did not test positive for weapons of mass destruction or explosives, but tests are ongoing to determine what it is.