'Mysterious liquid' and anthrax note shut down Lincoln Memorial

Raw Story
Nov. 28, 2006

The Lincoln Memorial was shut down today for over three hours after "suspicious items" were found, including a note which referred to anthrax and two bottles with "mysterious liquid" found in the women's restroom.

"A suspicious packing envelope, along with a note mentioning anthrax, was found Nov. 27 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, and a suspicious liquid resembling a sports drink was found in the ladies' restroom," Stratfor reports. "Authorities said they are looking for a male in his mid-30s, wearing green, who was seen in the vicinity."

"U.S. Park Police were called to the memorial just after noon for the report of a letter and two bottles with some liquid in the ladies' room," NBC News 4 also reported. "Federal sources told News4 that the substance did not appear to be a threat, but tests are being run as a precaution."

According to the Associated Press, District of Columbia fire spokesman Alan Etter said that the authorities received a call about the package while the liquid was being investigated.

A law enforcement official told the wire service that the note said "Do you know what anthrax is?" and "Do you know what a bomb is?"

The AP also notes that "CNN is reporting that a bottle of Gatorade sports drink was discovered, along with a cup of coffee and a letter."

CNN later reported that the note also said "Do you know what chlorine is?" but that initial tests show that the liquid found in the ladies rest room was only Gatorade.

The Lincoln Memorial was reopened to the public three hours after its temporary shutdown.