JAY REEVES, Assoociated Press Writer
BIRMINGHAM – Envelopes containing white powder set off anthrax scares in five Alabama cities, shutting down two federal courthouses Monday and trapping a congressman in his office as authorities tested the substance.
No one was injured, and investigators said at least five of the letters – all sent to the offices of senators or congressmen – were believed to be from the same source.
None of the letters tested positive for anthrax or other hazardous substances, but officials didn’t immediately say what they contained.
Authorities said letters containing white powder were sent to the Mobile and Foley offices of Republican Rep. Jo Bonner, who was forced to remain with staffers in the Mobile office while officials tested the substance.