The Arizona Supreme Court building in Phoenix was abruptly evacuated on Monday morning, 10 April 2024, after a suspicious package discovered in the mailroom tested positive for explosives. The incident prompted a major emergency response and forced the closure of a neighbouring government department.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Law enforcement agencies, including the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), swiftly descended on the scene. The ATF's Phoenix division confirmed via social media platform X that they were investigating the incident. According to local reports from NBC affiliate 12News, the evacuation order was issued at approximately 10:30 am, with staff being sent home for their safety.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the package, with support from the Phoenix Police Department. The Supreme Court building is located roughly one mile west of downtown Phoenix, an area housing several key state institutions.
Wider Precinct Disruption
As a precautionary measure, authorities also ordered the evacuation of the Arizona Department of Education, which is situated directly across the street from the court. This action underscores the seriousness with which officials treated the potential threat and their commitment to public safety.
The swift coordination between multiple agencies highlights the established protocols for such security scares. At the time of the initial reports, the Department of Public Safety had not released an official statement, with details still emerging as the investigation continued on site.
Ongoing Situation and Context
While the immediate area was secured, the discovery of a package testing positive for explosive material at the heart of Arizona's judicial system is a significant security event. The incident caused considerable disruption to the operations of both the Supreme Court and the Department of Education.
The focus remains on the forensic examination of the package and determining its origin and intent. Such alerts, though often resolved without incident, are treated with utmost priority given the symbolic and functional importance of the targeted buildings.
