A suspicious package left outside U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s Chico office Thursday led to an evacuation of nearby businesses and a major emergency response.
The package was found outside the Philadelphia Square office complex on Independence Circle just after 1 p.m. Police, firefighters, hazmat crews, bomb squad members and the FBI arrived to check it out. After examining the package, officials said it contained soiled diapers and the white powder seen at the scene was just sugar.
LaMalfa said in a statement that the package and a candle display next to it were left by “a clearly disturbed woman.” He said the display included a message against “heteronormative, cisgendered, capitalists, ableists.” Police did not say whether the items were meant for LaMalfa.
The Republican lawmaker called the display a “devil worship candle display” and said it was meant to disrupt his office, which serves veterans, wildfire victims and people needing help with government benefits. He also thanked police and emergency crews for their quick response and said it was a waste of their time and resources.
LaMalfa represents California’s 1st District, which covers all or parts of 10 North State counties, including Butte, Lassen, Modoc and Siskiyou.
