Suspicious Substance at New York’s Kennedy Airport Turns Out to Be Beauty Supplies

According to an article from CBS New York, “Two workers were hospitalized after opening a package at John F. Kennedy International Airport Sunday, but the substance inside – initially feared to be nerve gas – turned out only to be beauty supplies.

Photo from CBS New York

As 1010 WINS’ Gary Baumgarten reported, the mail processing center workers who opened the package were taken to Franklin General Hospital in Valley Stream shortly after 3 p.m., according to FDNY Emergency Medical Services. Both were in good condition.

After the workers got sick, the FBI screened and tested them – as well as the package – with what they called “an abundance of caution.” Two Customs and Border Patrol employees were also to be screened.

“In this day and age, you just can’t be too careful,” one officer said.

The FBI said personnel then cleared the scene. The mail processing center is on the outskirts of the airport, and passengers were not affected when it was evacuated, WCBS 880’s Jim Smith reported.

There were initial reports that the package tested positive for VX nerve gas, but officials said soon afterward that it was unlikely that the substance was the chemical weapon.

But on Sunday evening, the FBI confirmed that it had been leaking “beauty supplies and nothing further” all along.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the airport, didn’t respond to a call seeking comment.

Customs and Border Patrol didn’t respond to an email.”