A threat of an anthrax attack at the Linn County Courthouse Monday turned out to be a threat, Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller said Monday afternoon.
The Linn County Courthouse was closed all day Monday due to security concerns after envelopes were discovered threatening anthrax contamination.
According to Mueller, at about 6:17 a.m. Monday morning a custodian opening the courthouse found a note written on an outside entry door and envelopes nearby. The note indicated that anthrax was in the envelopes and more were inside the courthouse.
Only two were found, both near the door where the note was left. One appeared to have been slid under the door into the building and the other was found outside.
Linn County Sheriff’s deputies closed access to the courthouse. Only one person was in the courthouse at the time, an employee from the County Clerk’s Office.
Members of the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Oregon Army National Guard, and the Linn-Benton Region 5 Haz-Mat team arrived at the scene to assist with the search and investigation. The courthouse was searched by Haz-Mat team members and nothing else was found. Deputies conducted a criminal investigation Monday afternoon.
“There are no suspects at this time; however, the FBI has indicated federal charges will be filed if a suspect is identified,” Mueller said.
The courthouse was expected to open for business on time Tuesday morning, he said.