(Photo by JAY HEATH) Firefighters stand guard at the main entrance to the Warren B. Rudman federal courthouse building this morning after crews responded to a report of hazard substances found in the building.

CONCORD — Emergency crews were called to the Warren B. Rudman Federal Courthouse about 8:15 this morning to investigate a report that a suspicious, unattended substance was found in the building.

Details were few at first, but the incident was declared under control at about 10:45 a.m., sources said. In a statement, an FBI spokesman said officials responded “in an abundance of caution.

Representatives of several agencies, including firefighters, EMS, a hazardous materials team, state and federal police and a state police Explosive Ordinances Disposal Unit — also known as a “bomb squad” — were seen descending on the area.

The building, at 55 Pleasant St., was promptly evacuated, while police cordoned off a large area surrounding the building. The people evacuated were taken to a nearby school to await the go-ahead to return.

Shortly after the under control order was issued, crews began departing the scene.

(Photo by JAY HEATH) Police and firefighters assist a member of Concord's hazardous materials crew with protective gear during this morning's incident at the Warren Rudman Federal Building.

While indications were that the substance was a white powder, what it turned out to be, or whether it was directed at a certain person or department in the building, wasn’t known as of noontime. The FBI did say a preliminary test showed the material was not hazardous.

–JEFFREY HASTINGS

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