WUFT-TV/FM | WJUF-FM
1200 Weimer Hall | P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-5551

A service of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida.

© 2024 WUFT / Division of Media Properties
News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Powder mailed to Marion County sheriff leads to emergency procedure

A suspicious package containing a powdery substance mailed to Marion County Sheriff Chris Blair was taken out of the sheriff's office early Friday morning.

The powder will be tested by health department professionals in Jacksonville, according to a press release. The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m.

An assistant who opened the letter immediately called for help and emergency protocols were activated. The assistant was not injured.

The letter contained a direct threat to Blair, officials said.

Along with the fire department, Marion County Sheriff's Office bomb squad, major crimes division and the Homeland Security and counter terrorism investigations unit were called to clear the scene.

The FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be investigating the incident, in conjunction with the sheriff's office.

"This is serious," Blair said in a statement. "The emotional stress on our employees will not be tolerated. Disrupting MSCO business will not be tolerated. And the emergency resources that were used could have been elsewhere protecting the community."

"We will use all appropriate resources to track down the person or people responsible, he said."

Chris is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.