In July 2023, independent journalist Andrew Lyden was on a casual bike ride through Washington, D.C., when he noticed a hazmat fire truck heading towards the White House. “Something big was happening. Something bigger than normal was happening,” Lyden remarked during Fox Nation’s special program titled “Cocaine in 1600.”
The significant event turned out to be the discovery of a small bag containing a white powder later identified as cocaine. This bag has since sparked ongoing speculation, especially as the Trump administration is currently looking into the incident, which occurred during Joe Biden’s presidency. The focus of “Cocaine in 1600” is to unravel how the substance made its way into the White House.
The series draws on various stories and perspectives, including Lyden’s, to delve deeper into the circumstances of the find. A source revealed that a guest at the White House discovered the bag and promptly notified the Secret Service, which in turn alerted the D.C. Fire Department.
Lyden pointed out that the Secret Service typically handles hazardous materials incidents regularly without involving the fire department. “They can usually identify the situation, often with the help of a dog,” he explained, noting that the firefighters wouldn’t approach unless necessary. But the presence of a hazmat team at the Perimeter and West Executive raised alarms.
Normally equipped with a scanner, Lyden mentioned that hazardous material responses are generally communicated over encrypted channels so that the public doesn’t overhear. However, the alert about this incident was broadcast over a public channel, leading to some chaotic radio communication. At the scene for about an hour, he described the disorderly chatter on the radios.
“Cocaine in 1600” is currently available for viewing on Fox Nation.
