HANOVER, Md. — Two packages about the size of small books ignited and released a sulphurlike smell when they were opened Thursday at Maryland state government buildings 20 miles apart, burning the fingers of two employees.
One of the parcels was addressed to Gov. Martin O’Malley, who said the mailing meant for him complained about highway signs that urge motorists to report suspicious activity. “Somebody doesn’t like seeing that sign,” the Democrat said.
The fiery devices, one found in Hanover, the other in Annapolis, caused the evacuation of mailrooms at government offices across Maryland. Two other suspicious packages were discovered, though one was found to be a toner cartridge; the other, laptop batteries.
The opening of the dangerous packages caused the incendiary device inside to activate, said state Fire Marshal William Barnard.
“When both packages were opened, there was a reaction that caused a flash of fire, a brief flash of fire, smoke and a smell,” said state police spokesman Greg Shipley. “This is not to be compared with a significant explosion that you think of when you say that word.”
Explosive material wasn’t found in either package that ignited, Barnard said. When one was opened, it produced a “puff of smoke and a sulphur-type smell, like if you would strike a match.” The employee dropped that package on the floor and called 911.
The Annapolis package, addressed in typeface to the recently re-elected governor and adorned with holiday stamps, was opened first about 12:30 p.m. at the Jeffrey Building, where mail for O’Malley’s office is routinely checked. The building is blocks from the governor’s office, which is inside the State House in downtown.
That package contained a message from a disgruntled person, a government official familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. It had a zipper feature and when ripped open, a “flame popped out.” The official asked for anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak about the investigation.
The Hanover package had a return address, though officials wouldn’t divulge it, and was delivered through the U.S. Postal Service, Barnard said.
U.S. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., told WJZ-TV in Baltimore that a return address on one of the packages turned out to be a Washington parking lot.
“This is what we consider, in my opinion, a lone-wolf situation,” said Ruppersberger, who serves on the House Intelligence Committee. “This is an individual who is deranged and they wanted to make a statement, and this is how they did it.”
One package was addressed to the state Transportation Department and was unraveled about 15 minutes later at the agency’s building in Hanover, near Baltimore’s airport.
As for the other suspicious packages, one was at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene headquarters in Baltimore. The fourth package was found at a Baltimore courthouse.
