Norad Evacuated After 'Suspicious Packages' Found

The NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) headquarters in Colorado was evacuated and investigated for four-and-a-half hours after five suspicious packages were reported as “out of place.” A total of about 1,500 employees were sent home for the day yesterday (Mar. 7).

Military officials sealed off a 500-foot safe zone and brought dogs on the scene to scan the packages for nuclear materials. Security was strengthened in nearby buildings while the investigation took place. By early afternoon, Air Force officials reported that "preliminary test results of the package indicated that there is not a positive test for a nuclear, biological or chemical element contained within the package." The boxes were removed from the premises thereafter.

Officials found that the five packages were only office supplies. NORAD ensures that the incident did not disrupt the command’s daily operations.