Threat letters containing white powder sent to Israeli, US embassies in Berlin

Suspect is known to authorities, sent similar letters in July; authorities are arranging psychological counseling

The Israeli Embassy building in Berlin, Germany (Screen capture Google Street View)
The Israeli Embassy building in Berlin, Germany (Screen capture Google Street View)

BERLIN — German police say more threatening letters containing a white powder — determined to be non-harmful — have been sent to the American and Israeli embassies in Berlin.

Police spokesman Martin Halweg said Tuesday letters were sent to both embassies on August 22 and to the US Embassy again on August 30. They contained a white powder that turned out to be washing detergent, and rambling letters.

Halweg says the suspect in the threats is known to authorities and is the same person who sent similar letters to the two embassies in July.

He says authorities are arranging psychological counseling and possibly inpatient care for the individual.

Hoax attacks using white powder play on fears that date to 2001, when letters containing deadly anthrax were mailed to news organizations and the offices of two US senators. Those letters killed five people.

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