Current:Home > InvestThreats made to capitols in at least 5 states prompt evacuations, searches -MoneyStream
Threats made to capitols in at least 5 states prompt evacuations, searches
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:01:18
Washington — A series of bomb threats were made to at least five different state capitols and prompted evacuations Wednesday, according to state officials and law enforcement, though no explosives were found.
State police in Kentucky, Mississippi and Michigan, a state agency in Montana and a top election official in Georgia confirmed that the capitol buildings in their respective states received the threats. The FBI, too, said in a statement it is aware of "numerous hoax incidents" involving the bomb threats.
"The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk," the bureau said in a statement. "While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention."
The FBI urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The Michigan State Police said in a series of social media posts that the threat involving the Capitol building in Lansing was emailed to a general email account for the Michigan State Capitol Commission on Wednesday morning. The message prompted the evacuation and search of the building. Canine teams also conducted a sweep, the state police said.
No threat to the building was found, though the Michigan Police said that the Capitol building would be closed for the day as a precaution.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear also said the state police investigated a threat that the secretary of state's office received. Law enforcement searched the Capitol and grounds in Frankfort and cleared employees to return, the agency said.
"We are aware of similar threats made to other offices across the country," Beshear said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We thank our first responders for their quick response."
In Georgia, Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer for the secretary of state's office, said earlier Wednesday that a bomb threat at the Georgia State Capitol delayed its opening. The area was cleared just before 9 a.m. local time, Sterling said on social media.
"There have been multiple bomb threats to state capitols around the nation. So far Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan & Montana. Do not jump to conclusions as to who is responsible. There will be chaos agents sowing discord for 2024. They want to increase tensions. Don't let them," he wrote online.
Megan Grotzke, spokesperson for the Montana Department of Administration, said in a statement that a bomb threat made to the state capitol was "found to be not credible," and the building was reopened to the public after a sweep was completed.
In Mississippi, the Department of Public Safety confirmed in a social media post that it was notified of a bomb threat at the state capitol in Jackson earlier Wednesday morning, and no explosives or suspicious equipment were found during a search.
"Today a bomb threat was made against our Mississippi Capitol building. Thankfully, the situation is clear," Gov. Tate Reeves said on social media. "I'm incredibly thankful to the Capitol Police and all the Mississippi law enforcement officers who immediately responded to the incident."
The threats targeting the various state capitols come after several members of Congress were the victims of "swatting" incidents in recent weeks. The scheme involves hoax phone calls to law enforcement that prompt police to be dispatched to the homes of prominent figures.
Melissa QuinnMelissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. She has written for outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal and Alexandria Times. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts.
TwitterveryGood! (35)
Related
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Connecticut to decide on constitution change to make mail-in voting easier
- Queen Camilla Withdraws From Public Engagements Due to Chest Infection
- Georgia Democratic prosecutor pursuing election case against Trump faces Republican challenger
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- North Carolina’s top lawyer and No. 2 executive are vying for governor
- GOP senator from North Dakota faces Democratic challenger making her 2nd US Senate bid
- Charges against South Carolina women's basketball's Ashlyn Watkins dismissed
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Competitive Virginia races could play a critical role in the battle for Congress
Ranking
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Competitive Virginia races could play a critical role in the battle for Congress
- Democrat Ruben Gallego faces Republican Kari Lake in US Senate race in Arizona
- RHOBH's Teddi Mellencamp Shares Emotional Divorce Update in First Podcast Since Edwin Arroyave Split
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Fence around While House signals unease for visitors and voters
- Colin Allred, Ted Cruz reach end of Senate race that again tests GOP dominance in Texas
- Tropical Storm Rafael to become hurricane before landfall in Cuba. Is US at risk?
Recommendation
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
How do I begin supervising former co-workers and friends? Ask HR
Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren seeks third term in US Senate against challenger John Deaton
Missouri voters to decide whether to legalize abortion in a state with a near-total ban
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
Za'Darius Smith trade grades: Who won deal between Lions, Browns?
GOP tries to break Connecticut Democrats’ winning streak in US House races
Texas border districts are again in the thick of the fight for House control