The Arizona Supreme Court building in Phoenix was abruptly evacuated on Monday morning after a suspicious package discovered on the premises tested positive for explosive material.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Law enforcement agencies, including the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), swiftly responded to the scene. The incident began when the "suspicious package" was found in the building's mailroom. According to reports from Phoenix's NBC affiliate, 12News, the package returned a positive result for explosives at approximately 10:30am on Monday, 10 April 2024.
As a precaution, staff were sent home and the entire building was cleared. The Phoenix Police Department confirmed that the investigation is being led by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The court building is located roughly one mile west of downtown Phoenix.
Wider Security Precautions Enacted
The security alert extended beyond the court complex. As a direct safety measure, the Arizona Department of Education, situated directly across the street, was also fully evacuated. This coordinated action underscores the seriousness with which authorities treated the potential threat.
The ATF's Phoenix division publicly acknowledged the ongoing investigation via a post on the social media platform X. However, at the time of the initial reports, the Department of Public Safety had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Ongoing Investigation and Context
The discovery of an explosive device at a state's highest court represents a significant security breach and will likely prompt a thorough forensic and tactical investigation. The event caused considerable disruption in the government district of the city.
Authorities have not released information regarding the package's origin or intended target. The focus remains on securing the area and conducting a detailed examination of the device and any potential evidence.
