Suspicious Package Prompts Hazmat Response at Fulton County Courthouse
At least four employees at the Fulton County Courthouse experienced symptoms of an undetermined illness after a package containing white powder was delivered to the office of District Attorney Fani Willis.
Courthouse Evacuated After White Powder Incident
As a precaution, four individuals reporting headaches were transported to a local hospital. The third floor of the Fulton County courthouse complex was temporarily evacuated Friday following the discovery of the suspicious substance.
Substance Identified as Harmless, Courthouse Reopens
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department’s hazardous materials team responded to the scene and, within 30 minutes, determined the powder to be either starch or salt, confirming it posed no threat. The courthouse was subsequently reopened.
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Brief Lockdown Followed Discovery
Although declared safe, the courthouse’s third floor faced a temporary lockdown after the discovery of the letter and the unknown substance, prompting the deployment of the hazmat unit. This lockdown was lifted at approximately 3:30 PM.
Letter Addressed to District Attorney’s Office
Officials indicated that the letter was opened around 2:00 PM, and Atlanta Fire Rescue was promptly notified. Battalion Chief Ronald Slatton stated that the intended recipient of the letter was unknown but confirmed its arrival at the District Attorney’s office. Regarding potential motives, Slatton deferred to law enforcement agencies.
Investigation Status Unclear
It remains unclear whether law enforcement is investigating this incident as a potential crime. Atlanta Police Department spokesperson Officer Aaron Fix directed inquiries to Atlanta Fire Rescue. Natalie Ammons, spokesperson for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for courthouse security, stated they are not currently conducting an investigation.
DA’s Office Acknowledges Emergency Response
A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office issued a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, expressing gratitude for the rapid and effective response from Atlanta and Fulton County agencies, emphasizing their commitment to protecting colleagues and the public.
The courthouse’s third floor was temporarily placed on lockdown after the letter and substance were found, with a hazmat team arriving on the scene. However, that lockdown was lifted around 3:30pm
At least four Fulton County Courthouse employees have come down with something after intercepting a suspicious package with a white substance inside. It is unclear what symptoms the employees experienced. The four were taken to the hospital as a precaution
A package or letter with white powder was delivered to the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis
Context: Fani Willis and the Trump Election Interference Case
District Attorney Willis, a Democrat, is overseeing the case against former President Donald Trump and 18 others, initiated in August 2023. The case employs Georgia’s anti-racketeering law, alleging a scheme to unlawfully overturn Trump’s 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden in Georgia.
Willis’s Disqualification from Trump Case
While four individuals initially pleaded guilty, a Georgia appeals court recently disqualified Willis from the case in December, citing an ‘appearance of impropriety’ due to a romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Wade had been appointed by Willis to lead the prosecution.
Court Ruling Details
The appellate court’s 2-1 ruling deemed Willis ‘wholly disqualified’, emphasizing a ‘significant appearance of impropriety.’ This decision reversed a previous ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who had allowed Willis to remain on the case, provided Wade stepped down. Judge McAfee had acknowledged an ‘odor of mendacity’ surrounding the situation despite his initial decision.
Appeal to Georgia Supreme Court
Willis is currently seeking to overturn her disqualification by appealing to the Georgia Supreme Court. The legal developments in the election interference case continue to unfold.
Officials said the letter was opened around 2pm, and Atlanta Fire was immediately alerted
In December, DA Willis was disqualified from the Donald Trump election interference prosecution, striking a potentially lethal blow to the case
The charges brought Trump’s infamous mugshot. In January, an appeals court upheld the dismissal of some of the charges against Trump in Georgia’s election interference case
Impact on Election Interference Case
The recent ruling does not dismiss the case outright. However, legal experts suggest it presents significant, potentially insurmountable obstacles. To proceed, a new prosecution team from a different county would need to be appointed. This occurs amidst a backdrop of other criminal cases against Trump facing setbacks.
Earlier, in January, an appeals court upheld the dismissal of certain charges against Trump within the Georgia election interference case.