FBI investigating threats to USDA offices, employees

Anonymous messages threatening the safety of USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) employees and facilities in 5 states, prompted the federal agency to close offices immediately.

The threats came Monday and USDA officials sent home personnel from offices in Fort Collins, Colorado; Hamden, Connecticut; Beltsville, Maryland; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Kearneysville and Leetown, West Virginia, according to Matt Herrick, Director of USDA Communications.

Herrick said USDA is working closely with federal and local law enforcement, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to determine whether the threats are credible. Personnel at the locations were made aware of the threats and are not reporting to work until further notice.

These closures currently affect the following USDA agencies and offices at the locations: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), Forest Service (FS), National Agricultural Library (NAL), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Office of the Inspector General, and USDA Departmental Management.

USDA said it would release more information once it becomes available.