Ellis Island museum evacuated for 90 minutes after harmless white powder is found

Associated Press

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 8:05 PM

NEW YORK - A white powder that was found at Ellis Island and caused a brief evacuation at the immigration landmark in New York Harbor has been deemed harmless.

Jersey City, N.J., fire official Armando Roman says a hazardous-materials team responded to a call about the powder at the island's immigration museum on Saturday afternoon. The museum was evacuated for about 90 minutes, but visitors didn't have to leave the island.

Spokespeople for the National Park Service haven't returned phone calls seeking comment.

The director of Jersey City's Fire and Emergency Services Department says it hasn't been determined what the powder is.

Letters containing white anthrax powder killed five people in the fall of 2001.

Just days ago some foreign missions to the United Nations received envelopes with white powder inside. Tests showed the powder was flour.

(This version CORRECTS name to National Park Service, not Parks.)

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