US Senate office cleared after powder found
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-09 09:30

A Capitol office building was evacuated Wednesday night after sensors indicated the presence of a nerve agent, but subsequent tests proved negative.

Hazardous material crews work at the Russell Senate Office Building after it was evacuated on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006. The building was evacuated Wednesday night on a hazardous substance alert after police discovered a suspicious powder in its attic, authorities said. [AP Photo]

"Tests initially indicated a nerve agent," said Capitol Police Sgt. Kimberly Schneider. "A subsequent test indicated it is not a nerve agent."

Schneider said about a dozen senators were among 200 people who were asked to remain in a parking garage.

"We'll keep everyone until we don't have the need to keep them anymore," she said.

Authorities were awaiting the results of a third test for more conclusive results.

None of the people gathered in the garage was showing any signs of sickness or other adverse symptoms, such as a runny nose, that might indicate the presence of a nerve agent, Schneider said.

The Homeland Security Department did not have an immediate comment, but a senior counterterror official said it did not immediately appear to be an emergency.

The Homeland Security Department was investigating, but a senior counterterror official said it did not immediately appear to be an emergency.

Hazardous material teams and firefighters were dispatched to the Senate Russell Office Building, the counterterror official said.