Investigation underway following odor incident at TechNet Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – TechNet Augusta is currently under criminal investigation, event officials said.

In a video posted on social media on Wednesday, officials said there was an unpleasant odor in the air in the Oglethorpe Ballroom of the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.

Lt. Gen. Susan Lawrence, president and CEO of AFCEA International, says officials and local authorities are working to resolve the situation.

Lawrence says tests for contaminants have been carried out in the affected areas, but authorities believe the conference can go ahead without danger.”

We will continue to work with local authorities as part of this ongoing criminal investigation,” Lawrence said.

The authorities assume that this was a “deliberate act”.

AFCEA International states that this is an ongoing investigation and cannot comment at this time.

The three-day conference brings together cyber industry professionals — most with high security clearances — to talk about communications, networking, education and problem solving. It is hosted by the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association in partnership with the U.S. Army Cyber ​​​​Center of Excellence and industry experts.

Even though it is a rather specialized event, it is a huge boost to the economy.

Last year alone, nearly 6,000 visitors came to the city, more than 3,700 of whom came from outside Georgia and South Carolina.

As of Wednesday evening, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office said it had not received any information regarding the investigation.

All rights reserved.