Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuations at State Capitols Nationwide

Numerous state capitols across the United States received bomb threats on Wednesday, resulting in brief evacuations and lockdowns. Law enforcement agencies investigated the threats, but no explosives were discovered. These incidents follow a series of false reports of shootings at public officials residences in recent days.

On Wednesday morning, multiple state capitols across the United States received bomb threats, resulting in brief evacuations or lockdowns while police conducted thorough investigations. However, no evidence of explosives was found during these searches.

These threats come shortly after a series of false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials in recent days, raising concerns about the safety and security of government officials.

States Affected by Evacuations

Among the states that evacuated statehouse offices or buildings due to bomb threats were Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Montana. In Kentucky and Mississippi, lawmakers had already begun meeting in legislative sessions when the threats occurred.

Kentucky and Mississippi Respond to Threats

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced on social media that the state Capitol was evacuated after the Secretary of State's Office received a threat. He reassured the public that everyone was safe and that officials were aware of similar threats made to other offices nationwide. The threat was received while Kentucky lawmakers were gathered in the Capitol annex for ethics training.

In Mississippi, public safety officials initiated a lockdown of the state Capitol on Wednesday morning following a bomb threat on the second day of the legislative session. The state Senate delayed its morning meeting as the building was evacuated and bomb-sniffing dogs thoroughly searched the premises before giving the all-clear.

Brief Closures and Investigations

The majority of the statehouse closures were brief. In Montana, the Capitol building reopened within two hours after a comprehensive sweep of the premises revealed that the threat was not credible, according to Megan Grotzke, spokesperson for the Department of Administration.

While some states received threats, they did not proceed with closures. Wyoming received a "mass email" targeting "several state entities," but it was determined not to pose a security threat, and no offices were closed, as confirmed by Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Kyle McKay.

Swatting Incidents Targeting Public Officials

In recent days, several public officials have been targeted by "swatting" calls. Swatting refers to prank calls made to emergency services with the intention of eliciting a police response. These incidents have affected both Republican and Democratic officials.

Notable examples include Republican U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who received a fake emergency call on Christmas morning, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who faced a "swatting" attempt after removing former President Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot under the Constitution's insurrection clause.

Other public figures targeted by swatting calls in recent days include Republican U.S. Representative Brandon Williams of New York, U.S. Senator Rick Scott of Florida, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

It is important to note that swatting incidents occur frequently, with hundreds of cases reported annually.

The bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting state capitols and public officials have raised concerns about the safety and security of government officials and the potential for disruptions to government operations. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these threats to ensure the safety of the public and government officials.