Someone showing up at the FBI's New Orleans field office with a suspicious object is not your standard Thursday errand. Federal agents quickly detained the person, brought in bomb technicians, and ultimately declared the item safe, according to officials.
The individual was taken into custody without incident, and authorities were quick to stress that there is no threat to the public. After the initial response, the case was turned over to local investigators.
What officials said
In a statement, the FBI described the situation at its lakefront headquarters as involving “a person arriving with a suspicious object.” Agents called in bomb technicians, who rendered the object safe, and the person was detained without incident. Officials emphasized that “the public faces no threat at this time.”
The FBI said the New Orleans Police Department is now handling the investigation, according to WDSU.
Where it happened
The FBI's New Orleans Field Office sits on the lakefront in the Gentilly/Lake Terrace area, near the University of New Orleans' Lakefront Arena. Public mapping records list the field office at 2901 Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126, per Mapcarta.
For media and public contact information, the bureau directs visitors to the FBI New Orleans field office page.
What's next
Authorities have not released the detained person's identity and have not said whether any charges will be filed. The New Orleans Police Department is leading the probe and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators do their work.
Anyone with information or relevant footage has been asked to contact investigators, according to WDSU.
