According to local news outlet KOMO, police were searching the building on Friday afternoon after a man who was escorted from the building made a bomb threat outside. The man is in custody and the King County Sherriff's Office said the building had been closed for the day and public services postponed.
About an hour later, the courthouse announced on its Twitter account that the Seattle Police Department had completed its search and cleared the building and were allowing occupants to return.
Due to an evacuation at the King County Courthouse, the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) downtown public services (CPL permits, etc.) are postponed for the day. We thank the community for their understanding. pic.twitter.com/lNRCTxBDee
— King County Sheriff's Office PIO (@kingcosoPIO) May 21, 2021
One of the outlet's photojournalists posted images on Twitter of a large police presence around the courthouse and road blockades keeping evacuated courthouse employees and the public away from the building. According to police, about 75 people were evacuated.
Hearing reports of a bomb threat at the King County courthouse from several people who were evacuated from the building. 4th and Jefferson have been blocked off. #komonews pic.twitter.com/Acm2Av1afy
— Madelyn Hastings (@MaddyKOMO) May 21, 2021
There is SPD activity on 4th Ave at S Washington St blocking all northbound lanes. Use caution and seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/LhRk4k5Njb
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) May 21, 2021
The 14-floor courthouse was built in 1916 and is located in downtown Seattle.
