Update: Seattle Fire says this is a “non event,” and nothing hazardous was found inside the envelope, reports KIRO TV. Market St. has reopened.
Earlier: A large response of firefighters and police descended on Well Fargo Bank shortly after noon after employees discovered a suspicious envelope with white powder inside. Bank staff were evacuated, and police shut down Market St. in both directions from 17th to 20th.
Seattle Fire’s hazardous materials team responded, suited up and entering the bank to investigate. After about ten minutes, they deemed the material and facility to be safe. Employees were allowed back in the building, and Market St. was reopened to traffic a little over an hour after the call.
During the investigation, media choppers swirled overhead. Police had taped off Wells Fargo as well as the street, but the sidewalk and businesses across from the bank remained open.
We updated the event from the beginning on Twitter, as we happened to be right next to the bank when the call came in. You can see more photos there.
