U.S. Consultate in Berlin Partially Evacuated Due to Suspicious Envelope

German emergency services evacuated the visa section of the United States consulate in Berlin on Thursday after an employee fell ill after opening a suspicious envelope that was handed to her by a visitor, a police spokesman said.

Television footage showed investigators in special protection suits at the building and staff waiting outside.

"The lady felt unwell and reported a metallic taste in her mouth," the police spokesman said.

A spokesman for the fire services, who were also at the scene, said three people had reported breathing difficulties.

The U.S. embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.