WASHINGTON, Oct 13: The discovery of a suspicious white powder in a State Department mail room caused a security alert on Friday, interrupting the department’s daily televised news briefing as anthrax scares mounted in the United States.

Although the department later said it had not been able to specifically identify the powder but that it was not hazardous, the scare was unusual as it unfolded before television cameras, giving the public a visual sense of the fear and caution Americans feel after last month’s terrorist attacks.

Spokesman Richard Boucher had just begun to brief reporters on the foreign policy issues of the day when he was handed a note, telling him that for the second time in three days an unknown substance had been found in the building.

“Someone just called,” he said. “We found another white powdery substance in the correspondence office, and the FBI, the fire department and the hazardous materials unit have been called in.”

Surprised journalists scrambled to call in the news, but as Boucher attempted to continue with his briefing, he was interrupted by a building-wide announcement advising of the discovery.

“Somebody else is doing my briefing now,” he said, as loudspeakers crackled with an announcer’s voice.

“Can I have your attention please? Can I have your attention please?” the voice said as Boucher looked on, silent at the podium.

“The FBI and the DC hazardous materials response teams are en route. The area concerned has been completely contained. At this time, there is no need for alarm.—AFP