"Lone Wolf" Suspected in Maryland Package Scare that Injured Two State Workers

HANOVER, Md. (CBS/WJZ/AP) Someone  described as a disgruntled lone wolf, who was griping about highway signs, mailed the small package intended for  Maryland's Democratic governor that ignited Thursday when a worker in the state mail room unzipped it, shooting out a tiny flame that singed the worker's fingers.

About 15 minutes later, a second worker was injured opening a similar package at the state Dept. of Transportation building 20 miles away.

Soon after, mail rooms across Maryland were cleared and two other suspicious packages uncovered, though they turned out to be a toner cartridge and laptop batteries.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said the mailing sent to him complained about highway signs that urge motorists to "Report Suspicious Activity" and provide an 800 number to call.

"Somebody doesn't like seeing that sign," O'Malley said.

The state also uses the signs  to post information about missing children and, to the ire of some drivers, it added real-time traffic estimates to major highways in March. Some commuters complained drivers slowed to read the signs and backed up traffic. At O'Malley's request, the state studied the issue and removed the real-time postings from one congested area on the Capital Beltway.

The second fiery package was sent to state Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley in Hanover, officials said.

Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., said a return address on one of the packages turned out to be a Washington parking garage. Ruppersberger, a member of the House Intelligence Committee who was briefed on the mailings, said there were no apparent links to terrorist organizations.

"I believe this is what we call in intelligence a lone wolf situation, involving an individual who for whatever reason was upset with state government," Ruppersberger said.

Explosive material wasn't found in either package that ignited and authorities aren't sure if any other dangerous packages are out there, but mail room workers were expected back at work Friday. They'll have pictures of the packages and were advised to be vigilant about anything suspicious.

Meanwhile, the packages have prompted officials in at least four nearby states to be more vigilant.

"It happened quite quietly, actually," Conroy said, adding that employees were allowed back into the building a few hours later.

The Department of Transportation is subjecting mail to additional scrutiny, but otherwise operations were back to normal Friday, spokesman Jack Cahalan said.

Cahalan, who had been on that floor but did not see the package being opened, said he initially thought the fire alarm was a drill. About 250 people work in the four-story building, and the evacuation was orderly, he said.

"I've participated in more fire drills here than I ever did in elementary school," he said. "Everybody knows the drill; everybody knows what to do."

The FBI's joint terrorism task force was assisting in the investigation. A U.S. Homeland Security Department official said the department was aware of what happened and was monitoring. One of the packages would most likely be taken to an FBI lab at Quantico, Va., to be examined, Barnard said.

In 2001, as the nation was still reeling from the 9/11 attacks, letters containing anthrax were sent to lawmakers and news organizations. Postal facilities, U.S. Capitol buildings and private offices were shut for inspection and cleaning by workers in hazardous materials suits. The anthrax spores killed five people and sickened 17.

Gov. O'Malley, speaking after a Maryland Association of Counties dinner, said he had talked with one of the workers injured by the packages and left a message for the other and they were doing fine.

"I think it just underscores how whether it's the mail or whether it's the subway system or an airline, in this age ... you just have to be very, very vigilant because our openness and the freedom with which we communicate and with which we travel can be used as weapons against us," he said.