Suspicious powder mailed to federal offices

The FBI is investigating letters containing a suspicious white powder that were delivered to federal offices Monday morning throughout the Northwest. Tests indicate the white powder is inert, said officials with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. At least one letter may have been opened, said Frank Harrill, an FBI special agent supervisor in Spokane. Several letters were delivered in Spokane, including one to the FBI’s offices. Others were delivered to federal offices in Coeur d’Alene and Bellevue. Harrill said the mailings are considered a threat, even though the material isn’t dangerous. An analysis will determined if the letters were a hoax or something sinister.