A Federal Bureau of Prisons employee died after coming into contact with an unknown substance in the mail room at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, California, according to a bureau spokesman.
The Bureau of Prisons is investigating whether the employee was exposed to fentanyl, sources told ABC News.
The employee became ill Friday after coming into contact with the substance and was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the BOP. A second employee came into contact with the subject, was observed at the hospital and released.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen Bureau employee,” a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the family’s privacy and the grief of our Bureau community, we have no additional details to share at this time.”
The Council of Prison Locals, the BOP’s largest union representing employees, has advocated for more security measures for mailrooms, according to council president Brandy Moore-White.
A the bill was tabled by Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., in December 2023, which would require the agency to electronically scan all mail coming into the facilities. It is unclear what the procedures are now.
The bill has not yet ended up in the justice committee.