HAZMAT responds to councilman's home

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Emergency crews arrived to the scene of a potential HAZMAT situation Thursday afternoon at the Grove Ave. home of East Providence City Councilman Brian Coogan.

Coogan said he called 911 after opening a suspicious letter containing some kind of white substance.

He said the note was threatening and politically motivated in nature. It has to do with his recent vote not to raise taxes in the city, he said.

Police said City Manager Richard Brown also received a suspicious letter Wednesday at his office. However, no white powder was found inside.

Fire crews on scene were able to test the powder and found the substance was not harmful. Mayor Joe Larisa's office has said the white powder was in fact sugar.

Investigators said Thursday night they had identified a suspect, but had not made an arrest.

East Providence Mayor, Joe Larisa issued the following statement regarding Thursday's incident.

“Since the Council meeting last Thursday night, I have heard from many EP residents complaining of Councilman Coogan’s numerous temper tantrums and disruptions of Council business that night. The Council – over Councilman Coogan’s protests -- protected taxpayers with a budget that was less than last years’ for the first time in history and one that stayed within the low City tax cap while keeping our Recreation Center and Libraries open.”

 “While the Councilman’s behavior on this and other issues has angered many East Providence residents, no public official should be subject to the scare that Councilman Coogan and his family received today. The perpetrator must be found and prosecuted. We can and must agree to disagree in a civil and respectful manner.”

Click here to read the letter in its entirety that was sent to the councilman's home.