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US Muslim advocacy group's headquarters evacuated US Muslim advocacy group's headquarters evacuated
(35 minutes later)
A leading Muslim organisation in the US has evacuated its headquarters in Washington after the discovery of a "suspicious" substance in the post.A leading Muslim organisation in the US has evacuated its headquarters in Washington after the discovery of a "suspicious" substance in the post.
Two employees of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) have been quarantined inside the building, said the group's executive director. Two employees of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) were initially quarantined inside the building.
After opening a piece of post they experienced headaches and are coughing, Nihad Awad told the BBC.After opening a piece of post they experienced headaches and are coughing, Nihad Awad told the BBC.
Initial tests showed that the powder is not hazardous, the BBC has learned.
The BBC's James Reevell at the scene says the package is now being passed to the FBI for further inspection.
The rest of the staff are outside while emergency crews respond.The rest of the staff are outside while emergency crews respond.
In recent days, President Obama has warned against anti-Muslim sentiment in the wake of deadly terror attacks in San Bernardino, California. In recent days, President Barack Obama has warned against anti-Muslim sentiment in the wake of deadly terror attacks in San Bernardino, California.
Mr Awad tweeted that the office was "evacuated by DC Fire Dept after receiving envelope with suspicious powdered substance [with] hate message".Mr Awad tweeted that the office was "evacuated by DC Fire Dept after receiving envelope with suspicious powdered substance [with] hate message".
The group's lawyer posted a message on Facebook that said: "It's frightening to experience the hate manifest itself to such a real level. This will not deter us from continuing to protect the civil rights and liberties of all Americans."
Police have cordoned off the area, which is located about a half-mile (0.73km) from the US Capitol building.
According to its website, the CAIR is an "organisation that challenges stereotypes of Islam and Muslims".According to its website, the CAIR is an "organisation that challenges stereotypes of Islam and Muslims".