At least nine US state capitols were locked down and evacuated after receiving bomb threats on Wednesday. The threatening mass email, obtained by ABC News, warned the occupants of state legislatures and secretaries of state that they would all end up dead. The targeted state houses included those in Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Montana. Moreover, buildings were also threatened in Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
I placed multiple explosives inside of your State Capitol, the email stated. It further added, The explosives are well hidden inside and they will go off in a few hours. I will make sure you all end up dead. Understandably, the threats led to swift action by authorities, with police evacuating the Kentucky capitol as a precaution. However, upon investigation, no explosives were found. The Mississippi Capitol underwent a temporary lockdown, forcing the state Senate to delay its meeting while bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed. Thankfully, the situation was resolved swiftly, and authorities confirmed that there was no further threat to the Capitol or surrounding buildings.
In response to the unsettling incident, Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams expressed his commitment to ensuring that the people’s work would not be impeded by violent behavior or threats. Whether it’s our US Capitol or our state capitols, the people’s work will not be held hostage, Adams stated.
The FBI acknowledged the multiple hoax incidents at the capitol buildings and assured the public that they take such threats seriously due to the potential risks they pose to innocent people. While there is no information available at the moment to indicate a specific and credible threat, the FBI emphasized its continuous collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to gather, share, and address any threat information promptly.
These threats come on the heels of a series of false reports concerning shootings at public officials’ homes. Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to address and investigate these incidents while ensuring the safety and security of the targeted locations.
Authorities are reminding individuals of the seriousness of making false threats, as they not only create panic and disruption but also divert valuable resources from genuine emergencies. Perpetrators of such hoax threats can face severe legal consequences.
As the investigation into these bomb threats continues, law enforcement agencies are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in identifying those responsible. The safety and security of state capitols and government officials remain paramount, and concerted efforts are being made to ensure the protection of individuals and the uninterrupted functioning of government operations.
