ORLANDO, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 A large stretch of Magnolia Avenue was closed off in Downtown Orlando Friday after a suspicious package was delivered to U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost’s office.<\/p>\n
Officials with the Orlando Fire Department confirm they were working with police to investigate.<\/p>\n
Frost released a statement saying his office was evacuated and that his staff is safe. He adds:<\/p>\n
“Today, my office received a suspicious package matching those reported by other offices across the country. As a precaution, our office has been evacuated. U.S. Capitol Police and the Orlando Police Department have been notified, and the appropriate authorities are responding,” according to the statement.<\/p>\n
About 45 minutes later, U.S. Rep. Darren Soto shared that law enforcement intercepted an envelope containing an unknown substance sent to his Kissimmee office. In a statement, he said:<\/p>\n
“Today, our office received an envelope with a suspicious substance. Thankfully, Congressman Frost\u2019s office gave us advance notice to monitor our mail. The envelope was intercepted by local law enforcement, and no staff was hurt. We are working with federal, state, and local law enforcement to support an investigation. Political violence has no place in our democracy, and we hope those who perpetrated this crime are brought to justice.”<\/p>\n