State capitols face bomb threats for second consecutive day
Government buildings in Southern states received threats Thursday, the second consecutive day that warnings prompted evacuations and serious security measures in government buildings.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, there were “multiple bomb threats at various locations across the state.” Officials took “precautionary measures” and are following “standard emergency procedures.”
“We are currently working with federal partners,” the post said. “Bomb teams and assets have been deployed.”
Bailey Martin, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, said the organization is collaborating with local, state and federal officials in an active investigation into the multiple bomb threats received on Jan. 3 and 4 across the state.
“Due to this being an ongoing investigation, we will not make any further comment on the details of the threats received or the process of the investigation,” Martin said in an emailed statement.
In Arkansas, the Pulaski County Courthouse, Pulaski County Juvenile Court and the Pulaski County District Court in Little Rock was evacuated after a bomb threat was received.
Police in Daytona Beach, Fla., cleared the scene after a bomb threat prompted an evacuation of the 5th District Court of Appeal, Spectrum News 13 reported. Local media reported the threat came via email, and local police contacted state and federal partners about the incident.
The Hill has reached out to the Daytona Beach Police for more information.
Thursday’s threats come one day after at least six state capitols across the country received bomb threats. Evacuations and lockdowns were reported at the state capitols in Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Connecticut and Michigan due to apparent bomb threats. It’s not clear whether the incidents might be connected.
The FBI said in a statement to The Hill on Wednesday it is aware of the threats and urged members of the public to “remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.”
The Wednesday threats were largely found to be hoaxes sent to employees over email. The FBI said it has no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, and it will continue to work with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to act upon threat information as it comes.
— Updated at 5:00 p.m.
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