Dearborn Police: Pressure Cooker Found in Hotel Contained Food

Dearborn Police say a pressure cooker left in a bathroom in the Adoba Hotel that prompted a three-hour evacuation on Sunday had food inside and posed no threat.

Investigators believe that the pressure cooker was left by a guest, who used it to transport food to an event at the hotel.

Police Chief Ronald Haddad said it is unknown whether the pot was left in the restroom inadvertently or as a prank by a third party.

The Universal Muslim Association of America was conducting a three-day conference at the hotel when it was evacuated, forcing the organization to cancel its banquet. Pressure cookers were the chief weapon used in the Boston Marathon bombings that took place in April, killing three people and injuring 264.

"It appears that the appliance had been used initially for the purpose for which it had been manufactured," Haddad said. "We do not know the intent of the person who decided to leave it in the restroom but all proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of hotel guests and first responders."

Moe Qasim of Dearborn was in attendance for the UMAA conference, and said he had mixed feelings when guests were told to evacuate the hotel.

"The Adoba Hotel and Starbucks were very cooperative, and sent out warm sheets, water and coffee for guests," he said. 

Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr. was also in attendance at the UMAA conference, but said he left the hotel prior to its evacuation.