Police are investigating an envelope containing a white powder that was delivered to Maine Republican Party headquarters in Augusta on Thursday.

The Augusta Police Department responded to the party’s Higgins Street headquarters around 1 p.m. to reports of a “suspicious package.” The building was evacuated and the substance was isolated, the department said in a news release.

An office manager opened the envelope, which contained a white powder, party spokesperson Kristina Parker said. The office manager immediately washed their hands, Parker said.

Augusta police said they are working with “other law enforcement partners” to identify the contents of the envelope. Parker said a Maine National Guard hazmat team is conducting tests to determine whether the powder is harmful.

No injuries or illnesses associated with the package were immediately reported.

In an update Thursday night, Parker said the building had been cleaned. The staff who were in the building when the envelope arrived were quarantined until they were allowed to leave around 4:45 p.m. She said the substance was brought to a lab for testing.

Maine Republican Party Chair Jim Deyermond said that first responders were contacted out of an abundance of caution.

“These are crazy times, and we must continue to remain diligent for our own and others’ safety,” Deyermond said in a written statement Thursday. “This will not impact the functions or dedication of the Maine Republican Party to elect Republicans and work for a better tomorrow.”

In a similar incident, a white powder was sent to the Augusta office of the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions in January 2024. Law enforcement later determined that the substance was not harmful.