Federal authorities are confirming the VA Clinic in Mt. Vernon received a potentially threatening letter Friday and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.

According to R. Todd Wright, acting public affairs officer for the Marion VA Health Care System, the letter did not specify a “bomb” but was allegedly signed by its author. However, the person with that name willingly went into the Marion VA facility Saturday and informed the VA Police that he did not write the letter.

The Marion VA Police Service, Illinois State Police and VA Office of Inspector General are conducting a joint investigation into the matter but cannot release any other information at this time.

Also on Friday, custodial staff at the Mt. Vernon VA Clinic located a “live round” in the trash just outside the building.

The matter was brought to the attention Monday of the VA Chief of Police. After an internal review by the VA Police, it was deemed to be a coincidence and no evidence was found to connect the letter to the round of ammunition.

Just days after the threatening letter was received by the VA Clinic, Mt. Vernon police responded to a bomb threat at the Federal Building on South Sixth Street.

According MVPD, Federal Protective Services requested an officer at 10:28 a.m. Monday to detain a man who allegedly said he had a ticking time bomb.

Shortly after the initial report, MVPD received a call saying the man claimed, “it was just a joke,” and that their assistance was no longer needed.

Federal agents responded to the incident.