State capitols across the U.S. were placed on high alert Wednesday after receiving a series of bomb threats. Government buildings in Mississippi, Connecticut, Kentucky, Georgia, and Michigan were affected, sparking evacuations and heightened security measures.
The Georgia State Capitol was among the first to report a bomb threat, receiving an emailed warning early Wednesday morning. Authorities quickly responded, and the building’s opening was delayed. However, it was later confirmed to be a hoax.
In Kentucky, the Secretary of State’s office received a similar threat, prompting the evacuation of the state capitol. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reassured the public, saying in a statement, “While everyone is safe, KSP has asked everyone to evacuate the state Capitol and is investigating a threat received by the Secretary of State’s Office.”
The Connecticut State Capitol also faced an evacuation after a threat claimed explosives were planted inside the building. Thankfully, no explosive devices were found, and the building was soon reopened. Scott Driscoll, a member of the Connecticut State Capitol Police Department, noted that the suspicious email had been sent to several states, adding an extra layer of concern.
Michigan’s State Capitol was also evacuated after a bomb threat was received by the Michigan State Capitol Commission early Wednesday. The Michigan State Police confirmed the threat and stated that canine teams were deployed to sweep the building. The Capitol remained closed for the rest of the day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed its involvement, stating that they are aware of these hoax incidents and are working diligently to identify the source. “The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the bureau said in a statement. “While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention.”
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals immediately. While the threats turned out to be false, the widespread panic caused by the hoaxes has underscored the importance of swift and thorough responses in such cases.
