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USDA Shutters Six Facilities Following Threats

FBI investigating threats that forced the USDA to temporarily close six facilities in five states.
Image: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 1, 2016
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack speaks during a press conference on June 1.THAIS LLORCA / EPA

Six U.S. Department of Agriculture facilities in five states were closed Tuesday until further notice after the government agency received "anonymous" threats.

The messages, which arrived on Monday, raised concern "for the safety of USDA personnel and its facilities," spokesman Matt Herrick said in a statement.

The US Department of Agriculture buildin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture building in Washington,SAUL LOEB / AFP - Getty Images file

The FBI and local law enforcement are now investigating, Herrick said.

The USDA operations that have been shuttered are in Fort Collins, Colorado; Hamden, Connecticut, Beltsville, Maryland, Raleigh, North Carolina, and in Kearneysville and Leetown, West Virginia.

"Personnel at these locations have been made aware of the threats and will not report to these offices until further notice," Herrick said in his statement.

The USDA regulates farming, forestry and food safety.