In a media release from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and shared by the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, a letter was received in the administration building at Pelican Bay State Prison that ‘claimed’ to contain a suspicious substance on Tuesday morning, July 23rd.
The letter was immediately sealed and its contents sealed in a bag by Pelican Bay State Prison investigators to prevent exposure to any employees who work in the administration building who had been evacuated.
Centinela State Prison also received a similar letter and evacuated staff in its mailroom. There are no reports of injuries and an investigation is underway at both institutions. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are working with its local, state and federal law enforcement partners to determine what the substance is.
Local law enforcement is also considering any potential secondary exposures and taking necessary steps to mitigate any additional safety concerns.