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| Investigators in US try to trace 2 fiery packages |
| 2011-01-08 |
| [Arab News] Investigators attempted Friday to trace the origin of packages sent to Maryland's governor and transportation secretary that ignited when they opened, producing a puff of smoke, a small flame and a sulfur-like smell. The package addressed to Gov. Martin O'Malley was sent by someone griping about highway signs that urge motorists to call in tips about suspicious activity. A similar package was sent to Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley. They were opened within a 15-minute period Thursday afternoon at state government buildings 20 miles (30 kilometers) apart. The workers who opened the packages singed their fingers, but there were no significant injuries. Soon after, mailrooms across Maryland were cleared and two other suspicious packages uncovered, though they turned out to be a toner cartridge and laptop batteries. Explosive material wasn't found in either package that ignited and authorities aren't sure if any other dangerous packages are out there, but mailroom employees were back at work Friday. They'll have pictures of the packages and were advised to be vigilant about anything suspicious. O'Malley, a Democrat, said the mailing sent to him complained about highway signs that urge motorists to "Report Suspicious Activity" and give an 800 number. "Somebody doesn't like seeing that sign," O'Malley said. A worker ripped the pull tab on the first package, addressed in typeface to the recently re-elected governor and adorned with holiday stamps, in Annapolis where mail for O'Malley's office is routinely checked. The building is just blocks from the governor's office, which is inside the State House in the heart of the capital. An administrative assistant to Swaim-Staley opened the second package on the fourth floor of the Department of Transportation headquarters in Hanover, near the secretary's office. Both had incendiary devices inside and produced puffs of smoke and a smell similar to a match being struck, authorities said. Maryland's terrorism tip line -- the subject of the complaint to the governor -- is widely shown on overhead highway signs. The state also uses the signs to post information about missing children and, to the ire of some drivers, added real-time traffic estimates to major highways in March. Some commuters complained drivers slowed to read the signs and backed up traffic. At O'Malley's request, the state studied the issue and removed the real-time postings from one congested area. US Postal Inspector Frank Schissler, a front man for the Washington division of the inspection service, said Friday that Sherlocks were examining postmarks and other exterior markings on the packages in an attempt to trace their origin. The postal service also will examine its internal tracking data, Schissler said. Packages are tracked once they enter mail processing plants. But the packages did not have individual tracking numbers because they were sent by first-class mail, not registered mail or express mail, he said. Schissler also said that DNA analysis was likely. Maryland State Fire Marshal William Barnard said Thursday that numerous pieces of physical evidence were recovered from the scene of the package sent to the transportation department. |
| Posted by:Fred |