Multiple state capitols receive bomb threats, prompting lockdowns

At least five state capitols across the country received bomb threats early Wednesday morning, prompting evacuations and lockdowns, though no dangerous items were immediately discovered.

Evacuations and lockdowns were reported at state capitols in Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana and Connecticut due to apparent bomb threats. It’s not clear whether or how the incidents might be connected.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear posted on X, formerly Twitter, that the Kentucky State Police (KSP) was investigating a threat and had evacuated the state Capitol in Frankfort.

“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,” Beshear posted. “We are aware of similar threats made to other offices across the country.”  

Michon Lindstrom, a spokesperson for Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, told The Lexington Herald-Leader that a threat was sent to secretaries of state across the country as a “mass email.”

It did not specifically mention certain secretaries, but Lindstrom told the Herald-Leader that the email said bombs had been placed in state capitol buildings. 

The Hill has reached out to the Kentucky secretary of state’s office for more information. 

Another threat was reported at the Georgia state Capitol, according to Gabriel Sterling, the chief operating officer for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

“Starting 2024 with a bomb threat at the Georgia State Capitol. Delayed opening until the all clear is given,” Sterling posted on X. “Avoid the area for now.”  

The Georgia Department of Public Safety later said a search was conducted, and an all-clear was given.

In an emailed statement, the department said it determined the bomb threat was not credible and was a hoax email sent to an employee Wednesday morning. The building opened just before 9 a.m. local time.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesperson Bailey Martin confirmed a lockdown was underway Wednesday morning in Jackson due to a bomb threat sent to the state Capitol building, according to multiple local news outlets. According to a statement posted on the Legislature site, “standard emergency procedures” were being followed.

Martin said in a statement to The Hill that the department concluded that there was no threat of explosives found in the building after a search. 

“The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has successfully cleared the Mississippi State Capitol. The building was thoroughly searched, and no explosives or suspicious equipment were found,” Martin said. “This is an ongoing investigation and there is no further threat to the Capitol or surrounding buildings.” 

A reporter for the Helena Independent Record posted on X that a threat had been made at the Montana state Capitol, as well.

“There’s been a report of a bomb threat at the Montana State Capitol. Staff has been evacuated and taken refuge from the cold in neighboring state buildings,” Thom Bridge posted.  

Bridge said Montana Highway Patrol is patrolling outside of the building. The Hill has reached out to the highway patrol and Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s office for more information. 

Local news outlets also reported that bomb threats forced the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford to evacuate Wednesday morning. The building reopened later in the morning after law enforcement officials and K-9 units determined there was no credible threat. 

“Earlier this morning, the Connecticut State Capitol Police received complaints from numerous employees about a suspicious email that was received. The email, which apparently was sent to numerous states, claimed to have placed multiple explosives in the Capitol Building,” the Connecticut State Capitol Police told staff and legislators in an email, according to the Hartford Courant.

The Hill has reached out to the Connecticut State Capitol Police for comment.