One person evaluated after synagogues evacuated in South Seattle for hazmat response

Crews with the Seattle Fire Department evacuated two synagogues in South Seattle after reports that suspicious envelopes arrived via mail.

Around 5 p.m., a hazmat response was sent to the 6500 block of 52nd Avenue South, near Seward Park. They were also sent to the 5400 block of Wilson Avenue South.

According to the Seattle Fire Department, both envelopes contained a white powdery substance and were not hazardous.

The Seattle Police Department secured the second envelope and will be submitting it as evidence

SFD said one person was evaluated and is stable. There were no injuries or property damage.

While investigating, a third 911 call about a mailed suspicious package was reported in the 4700 block of 17th Avenue Northeast around 6:30 p.m. There was no white powdery substance in the third package.

At 7:03 p.m., Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell posted that crews were able to determine the materials were non-hazardous but there is “no doubt that these were sent were sent with the intent to target, harm, and frighten Jewish neighbors.”

The Mayor continued saying, “The outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, the entire country has experienced an appalling rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Arab and Muslim hate crimes. We must reject these acts of hate and make clear that hateful threats and actions have no place in our community – period.”

SPD Arson Bomb Squad detectives are investigating.

©2023 Cox Media Group