HazMat investigation causes partial evacuation after "unknown white powder" found in LA City Hall mailroom

Two members of Mayor Karen Bass' staff were sent to the hospital Thursday after discovering an "unknown white powder in a first-floor mailroom at Los Angeles City Hall.

"What happened yesterday is an unfortunate reminder that sometimes public service is dangerous work, but the work of the people must go forward and we will remain vigilant," Bass said in a statement Friday afternoon. 

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, crews were dispatched to City Hall East, nearest the 200 block of N. Main Street, after receiving reports that the powder was found at around 1:45 p.m. 

"Two workers opened a package with concerning content," the statement said. "No substance was visible in the package."

Both employees were being evaluated at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital for further testing, as a precaution. Neither were reported to have any signs or symptoms of illness, firefighters said.

"The mail room and a few adjacent businesses were evacuated by LAFD personnel," the statement said. 

At around 6:30 p.m., firefighters reported that no hazardous material was found and all locations were allowed to reopen. 

Los Angeles Police Department's bomb squad was also called to the scene for further assistance to evaluate the other packages inside of the mailroom. 

"There is no active threat to City Hall, City Hall East or public safety," firefighters said.

Investigators and paramedics were expected to remain on scene for some time as they continued to survey the area.