California Hazmat Team Inspects Cargo Container Reading 'Anthrax a Gift From Osama'

LONG BEACH, Calif. — A cargo container inscribed with the words “Anthrax a gift from Osama” on Wednesday caused the closure of an area near the Port of Long Beach as officials prepared to search the item, the Press-Telegram reports.

The Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and Long Beach police were on the scene and keeping people away from the area as hazardous materials crews got ready to inspect the suspicious container, Fire Department Battalion Chief Frank Hayes said in the story.

A security guard noticed the writing on the container, which was being carried by a non-English-speaking driver who had picked it up and allegedly opened it, finding no cargo inside, the story says.