Food Network denies link to Liberty Bell scare

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Police are investigating the source of the powder-filled balloon that forced the evacuation of the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.

Spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore said today city police questioned whether it was linked to the taping of a TV program.

But a Food Network statement says no balloons were used in the Thursday morning taping of “Chef vs. City.”

A guard discovered the stray balloon outside the Liberty Bell entrance that afternoon, leading authorities to shut down the area. The FBI says tests show the powder was not hazardous; the National Park Service says it was flour.

Meanwhile, police say powder found on a letter sent to a municipal office building near City Hall that prompted a limited evacuation today was not hazardous.