Wyoming
Wyoming Highway Patrol issues update on suspected IED at Wyoming Capitol Building
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Highway Patrol has issued an official update on the ongoing situation in Cheyenne, where a suspected IED was left outside of the Wyoming State Capitol.
According to a release from the WHP, on the morning of Oct. 21 an object, suspected do be in Improvised Explosive Device (IED), was found on the Great Seal in front of the Capitol, by a pedestrian. The pedestrian brought the suspect IED inside of the Capitol building, and Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were alerted to its existence.
As a precaution, the building was evacuated at approximately 9;45 a.m. while troopers secured the area. Multipole agencies responded to the incident, including the WHP, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, the Cheyenne Police Department, Wyoming DCI, the Joint EOD Team, Cheyenne Fire and Rescue, AMR, FBI, ATF, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Additionally, the area of 21st to 26th Streets between Carey Ave. and Central Ave. were cordoned off, as drones and K-9 units swept the area. Eventually, all but 26th street were reopened. 26th Street was reopened at approximately 4:30 p.m.
The Capitol itself was closed for the rest of the day but it will be open as usual on Wednesday morning, Oct. 22.
The release notes that the investigation is still active and ongoing. The WHP is working with law enforcement partners to bring this case to its conclusion.
“Information is still being sought in this incident,” the release states. “Anyone with information, images or recordings of suspicious activity in the early morning hours of October 21st, please contact DCI by heading to their website and clicking the dedicated Capitol incident link on the main page.”