Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuations of Government Buildings in Multiple States

Government buildings in several states, including the Mississippi Capitol and courthouses in Arkansas, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, and New Hampshire, were evacuated on Thursday due to bomb threats. The FBI is aware of the situation and takes hoax threats seriously.

On Thursday, January 5, government buildings in several states across the United States were evacuated due to bomb threats, causing disruptions for the second consecutive day. The Mississippi Capitol and courthouses in Arkansas, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, and New Hampshire were among the affected locations. While no explosives were immediately found, the buildings were thoroughly searched and reopened to the public.

Heightened Security Measures Following Previous Threats

These latest evacuations come after a series of bomb threats targeting state capitols on Wednesday, prompting lockdowns and heightened security measures. Additionally, recent days have seen a spate of false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials, further contributing to the tense atmosphere.

Mississippi Capitol and Supreme Court Receive Bomb Threats

In Jackson, Mississippi, the state Supreme Court, located across from the state Capitol building, received a bomb threat. Bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed to inspect the area before officials declared it safe.

FBI Addresses Hoax Threats

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) acknowledged the numerous hoax incidents on Thursday and emphasized the seriousness with which they treat such threats. Marshay Lawson, a spokesperson for the FBI's Jackson Division, stressed that hoax threats endanger innocent individuals and that the FBI collaborates closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to address these situations.

Courthouses Targeted in Hawaii and Arkansas

Hawaii courthouses and the federal courthouse in Honolulu received a mass email claiming that explosives had been placed in court facilities. Authorities believe the email originated from the same source responsible for similar threats sent to state capitol buildings on Wednesday. Thorough searches were conducted, and the facilities remained open.

In Arkansas, the Pulaski County Courthouse in Little Rock was evacuated due to a bomb threat during a hearing related to a lawsuit between the state Board of Corrections and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The building was cleared after a thorough search, and people were allowed back inside.

Evacuations in Montana and Maine

The Cascade County courthouse in Great Falls, Montana, was evacuated following a bomb threat. Law enforcement officials determined the threat to be non-credible, and the courthouse was reopened.

In Maine, courthouses in Cumberland and Kennebec counties were temporarily closed but reopened after searches were conducted. The York County Judicial Centre also closed for the day as a precautionary measure.

The series of bomb threats and false reports have caused disruptions and heightened security concerns across multiple states. Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating these incidents, and hoax threats are being taken seriously due to the potential risks they pose to public safety. While no credible threats have been identified thus far, officials remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of government buildings and the public.