Possible Ricin Found In Evacuated Minneapolis Apartment Complex, FBI Says

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A possible hazardous material that prompted the evacuation of a Minneapolis apartment complex and injured a University of Minnesota student could be ricin, the FBI said Wednesday.

The bureau said that a preliminary test by the Minnesota Department of Health lab of the material found in an apartment indicated the presumptive potential presence of ricin. The FBI also said the female student may have been intentionally handling the material.

Ricin is a poison found naturally in castor beans. The FBI said evidence will be sent to the bureaus lab in Virginia for positive identification.

The @FBIMinneapolis continues to investigate the substance found at a Dinkytown apartment. Prelim tests by @mnhealth show possible presence of ricin, a poisonous toxin found in castor beans. Further testing to happen at FBI HQ in Quantico, VA. @WCCO https://t.co/LQvDyxjP2M pic.twitter.com/GheBE6dxn0

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The @FBIMinneapolis continues to investigate the substance found at a Dinkytown apartment. Prelim tests by @mnhealth show possible presence of ricin, a poisonous toxin found in castor beans. Further testing to happen at FBI HQ in Quantico, VA. @WCCO https://t.co/LQvDyxjP2M pic.twitter.com/GheBE6dxn0
Jeff Wagner (@Jeff_Wagner4) May 8, 2019

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that it would take a deliberate act to make ricin to poison people and unintentional exposure to the poison is highly unlikely, except through the ingestion of castor beans.

The toxin is relatively easy to make. When ricin is extracted and purified, it can be used as a weapon capable of causing death. A few milligrams are enough to kill an adult if its eaten, injected or inhaled. Early symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing.

Ricin kills the bodys cells by preventing them from creating protein.

Emergency crews were called Tuesday to The Marshall, a 316-unit complex that caters to students at the nearby university. The complex was evacuated but residents were allowed to return after authorities determined there was no danger to the public.

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The student remains hospitalized.

Residents now allowed back into The Marshall Apt in Dinkytown, roughly 5.5 hrs after woman went to hospital claiming possible ricin exposure. Police say her condition is not life threatening. Substance removed from her apt. That room remains secure tonight. Live @kare11 at 10p pic.twitter.com/eF6iZevUP4

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Residents now allowed back into The Marshall Apt in Dinkytown, roughly 5.5 hrs after woman went to hospital claiming possible ricin exposure. Police say her condition is not life threatening. Substance removed from her apt. That room remains secure tonight. Live @kare11 at 10p pic.twitter.com/eF6iZevUP4
Kent Erdahl (@kenterdahl) May 8, 2019

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