Rep. Maxine Waters’ office evacuated after alleged anthrax threat

Authorities evacuated U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters’ district office in South Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon after someone noticed a suspicious package that was addressed to “Anne Thrax,” officials said.

Hazardous materials crews rendered the package safe, but the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division launched an investigation, said Officer Mike Lopez, spokesman for the department.

“There was no evidence of any dangerous substance at all,” he said. “They’re probably going to investigate to see where this item came from.”

Authorities were called to the Democratic congresswoman’s office at 10124 S. Broadway St. shortly after 2:30 p.m. There were no injuries reported. One person came into contact with the package but did not have any medical complaints, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Officials said only affected portions of the two-story office building were evacuated, and people were eventually allowed to return inside.

Rep. Maxine Waters’ district office was evacuated after someone saw a suspicious package.

(Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press)

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

UPDATES:

8:30 p.m.: This article was updated with more information.

This article was originally published at 4:25 p.m.