Donald Trump’s son sent letter with white powder, police say

Officials in New York City downplayed a letter with white powder sent late Thursday to the son of Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, saying the substance wasn’t dangerous, according to police officials.

The note, which contained what was described as “gratuitous anti-Trump comments,” arrived at the Manhattan residence of Eric Trump, prompting his father’s security staffers to report the incident to 911, said a NYPD official who didn’t want to be identified.

Police emergency service personnel responded to Eric Trump’s residence in a Trump building on Central Park South early Friday and took possession of the materials. An initial analysis of the powder determined it wasn’t hazardous, the police official said.

The NYPD official said the matter wasn’t viewed as a serious threat but noted that federal officials, notably the Secret Service that is protecting Donald Trump, was involved. Investigators were trying to trace the mailing, which originated in Massachusetts, the official said.

Similar incidents occurred during the mayoral administration of Michael Bloomberg, who received a few mailings containing nonhazardous material, the police official said.

With amNewYork

By Anthony M. DeStefano

tony.destefano@newsday.comtonynewsday

Anthony M. DeStefano has been a reporter for Newsday since 1986 and covers law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs from its New York City offices.