Minnesota Capitol among several affected by bomb threats

Minnesota’s Capitol building was one of several across the U.S. affected by bomb threats Wednesday morning, according to a spokesperson with the State Patrol.

Around 9 a.m., Minnesota State Patrol Capitol Security learned of an email bomb threat to the Capitol and locked it down so security officers could search the building, State Patrol Lt. Jill Frankfurth said in a statement. The threat disrupted activities at the building including a hearing of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Minnesota’s Capitol building wasn’t the only one affected by the threat. Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi and Montana also evacuated office buildings Wednesday morning, the Associated Press reported, noting the threats come after a spate of false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials in recent days.

Troopers, security officers, and an explosives-detecting dog did multiple searches between 9:30 and 10:15 a.m., according to the patrol. Authorities did not find any “suspicious or threatening items.”

During the searches, normal activities were suspended and relocated to other buildings. When the searches were done, the Capitol reopened and normal activities resumed, according to authorities.

Frankfurth said there would be an added security presence at the Capitol for the rest of Wednesday as a precaution following the threat.

Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is in contact with federal authorities and authorities in other states investigating the threats, Frankfurth said.