The FBI is assisting local, state, and federal agencies in investigating a suspected hazardous substance reported in Hastings.

HASTINGS, Mich. - The FBI is assisting local, state, and federal agencies in investigating a suspected hazardous substance reported in Hastings.

The FBI Detroit Field Office said Friday (Sept. 11) personnel are assisting the Barry County Emergency Management Department, Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Michigan State Police, and other responding agencies following the report of suspected ricin.


FBI personnel are examining the material and working to gather and preserve evidence and information that could help investigators determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The FBI said additional testing is underway to determine the nature of the substance.

The FBI said it will continue coordinating with Barry County Emergency Management, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Michigan State Police, Corewell Health Pennock Hospital, the American Red Cross and other local, state and federal agencies as appropriate.

Federal resources, including victim assistance services, will also be made available to support people affected by the incident, according to the FBI.

The investigation remains active.

The FBI said it will release additional information when appropriate and when doing so will not compromise the investigation.

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