FBI called to investigate 'suspicious packages' found at Topeka state office building

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Local first responders are converging on a state office building in the downtown area of Topeka Monday afternoon.

A 27 News reporter at the scene said there are multiple law enforcement and fire department vehicles at the building located at 120 Southwest 10th Avenue. Topeka Fire Department (TFD) spokesman Alan Stahl said reports of suspicious packages prompted the response.

Stahl said two packages were found. One was addressed to Secretary of State Scott Schwab while the other was addressed to Attorney General Kris Kobach.

Some staff members inside the building were exposed to the packages which contain unknown substances. There is no danger to the public at this time.

Kansas Highway Patrol spokeswoman April McCollum sent 27 News a statement regarding law enforcement's investigation into the incident.

"At 2:17pm today, occupants of Memorial Hall, located at 10th and Jackson in downtown Topeka, were evacuated as a precaution after a suspicious package was received by the Secretary of State’s Office.  The precautionary evacuation allowed for a hazardous devices officer to enter and collect the package, which required a response from the Topeka Fire Department. Capitol Police were notified at 2:40pm of a second suspicious package received by the Attorney General’s Office. The second package was larger than the first package. The fire marshal is on scene and has requested the FBI to respond to collect that package.  It is unknown at this time if the same person sent both packages.  This is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further inquiries regarding the second package will need to be forwarded to the FBI."

The Associated Press is reporting suspicious packages were delivered to election authorities in five other states, including Kansas. These states include Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wyoming and Oklahoma.

This is a developing situation. More information on this incident will be added here as it becomes available.

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