NAACP offices evacuated due to powder

Michael D. Bolden/The Washington Post

8:15 p.m. Update: NAACP Washington Bureau Director Hilary Shelton said law enforcement officials inspected the material and told him it was tea.

6:15 p.m. Update:

The Washington offices of the NAACP were evacuated after employees opened an envelope containing white powder that authorities later determined was harmless.

NAACP Washington Bureau Director Hilary Shelton says the envelope contained a typewritten letter and a plastic bag with white powder. The business-sized envelope had no return address and was simply addressed to the civil rights organization's office in downtown Washington, which is located on 15th Street NW, near The Washington Post's headquarters.

NAACP employees called the police and left their offices. Law enforcement officials have since cleared the scene.

In October and November 2001, five people were killed after coming in contact with mailings containing anthrax.

-- Associated Press and staff reports

5:55 p.m. Update: The suspicious package turned out to be a letter. Authorities say the situation is under control.

Original post: Authorities are investigating a suspicious package on at the corner of 15th and M streets NW. Fire and police are on the scene. However, streets are not closed. Expect delays on 15th Street NW southbound due to emergency vehicles blocking lanes.