Suspicious letter sparks scare

By The Eyeopener Staff

Police rushed to campus Thursday after a suspicious package arrived in the Ryerson mailroom.

Sgt. Gordon Serroul with Toronto police’s 52 Division said the package was a 15-page letter from an “emotionally disturbed” woman in the United States.

The letter is full of anti-American rhetoric, Serroul said. He did not confirm or deny whether any substance or powder was found inside the envelope.

He said the university was aware the package was coming because similar letters have been mailed to other North American universities.

Linda Grayson, v.p. administration and student affairs, praised staff for responding to the situation with proper care and caution.

Still, police took no chances while the package was investigated. Onlookers who touched the mailroom door were immediately told to wash their hands.

Grayson said Ryerson has reviewed its emergency plan in wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks but said there is no cause for concern.

“There hasn’t been a single reported case [of anthrax] in Canada.”