CHICO >> The Butte County Interagency Bomb Squad squad dealt with a suspicious package outside of Rep. Doug LaMalfa’s office Thursday at Independence Circle.

The scene, evacuated after the initial call, was declared safe, said Chico Police Department Lt. Peter Durfee around 3:30 p.m.

A member of the Butte County Interagency Bomb Squad wore what Durfee called “the highest level of PPE set up for explosives” to investigate the package shortly after 3 p.m.

The package was a white bag with items in it, said Durfee. The bag was not see through.

There was also a note on the bag, said Teri DuBose, a representative for LaMalfa (R-Richvale).

In addition to the bag was a tall candle on the ground with loose-white powder spread around it in a circle, said DuBose. She saw the items and called 911, she said, adding that the congressman is currently away in Washington D.C.

The candle was black with red and yellow flames and had printed words on it, according to a photo from DuBose shared with this newspaper. She said the words were threatening and anti-government in nature.

“We just noticed a bag outside and went to see what it was, and we were unsure,” said DuBose. “I think any suspicious bag should be reported.”

The Chico Fire Department’s hazardous materials team tested the white powder, but results were not known by deadline Thursday.

Durfee said the call came in to police around noon.