Illinois Capitol On Lockdown After White Powder Incident
By Hunter Clauss

Illinois Capitol On Lockdown After White Powder Incident
By Hunter ClaussUpdated 3:30 p.m.
The Illinois State Capitol building was temporarily on lockdown after a woman threw a white powder in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office Thursday afternoon right before lawmakers were scheduled to take a vote on overriding the governor’s budget veto.
At 1:26 p.m., a woman threw the substance in the governor’s office, the lieutenant governor’s office, and the gallery in the House, according to Springfield Fire Department Chief Barry Helmerichs. The woman is in custody, Helmerichs said, and a hazardous materials unit was sent to the Capitol building.
People in Hazemat suits heading toward Speaker’s office just now in the Capitol pic.twitter.com/tH9zbpp2I9
— IllinoisChannel (@IllinoisChannel) July 6, 2017
Hazmat team inspects belongings of woman who reportedly threw powdery substance in governor’s office at state capitol. @edmarshallcbs2 pic.twitter.com/1Qf2g3lCm0
— WBBM Newsradio (@WBBMNewsradio) July 6, 2017
The substance was not hazardous, according to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White’s office, which handles security at the Capitol.
Capitol Building now open; all clear from @SFD_IL Haz Mat Unit. No hazardous materials found. SOS Police conducting ongoing investigation.
— IL SOS Office (@ILSecOfState) July 6, 2017
The House was expected to call a vote at 1:30 p.m. on overriding Rauner’s veto of a budget package that includes a $5 billion income tax hike.
“It’s going to slow down any action, that’s for sure,” Helmerichs said of the lockdown.
Emergency workers wearing protective gear inspected the governor’s office.
Rauner was not at the Capitol, his staff said.
The building was not evacuated, but those who were not already inside were forbidden from entering during the lockdown.
Comptroller Susana Mendoza told building on lockdown for hazmat situation pic.twitter.com/5bfMH5WCGs
— Bernie Schoenburg (@bschoenburg) July 6, 2017
Young school kids in House Gallery, “sheltering in place” during Capitol security lockdown. pic.twitter.com/7l678dtFBA
— Mark Brown (@MarkBrownCST) July 6, 2017
Here’s the lockdown announcement heard on the floor of the Illinois House a few minutes ago. https://t.co/a6k0wqPpxB
— Brian Mackey (@BrianMackey) July 6, 2017
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates. The Associated Press contributed to this report.