Firefighters: White powder discovered at Orlando federal courthouse deemed safe

ORLANDO, Fla. — A small plastic bag containing white powder was discovered Monday afternoon at the federal courthouse near downtown, the Orlando Fire Department said.

The substance, which was deemed nonhazardous, was discovered shortly after 3 p.m., officials said.

Firefighters initially said it was a suspicious package before saying it was a suspicious letter and ultimately that it was a suspicious powder.

The Orlando Police Department tweeted one hour later that nothing hazardous was discovered in what it described as a suspicious package. Police said they cleared the scene.

Police said the courthouse wasn't evacuated during the incident, but no one was allowed to enter or exit the building while OFD's bomb squad investigated the powder.

Officials wouldn't say where at the courthouse the substance was discovered, but from Skywitness 9, a hazmat crew was seen on the courthouse steps.

No other details were given.

Cox Media Group