The Arizona Supreme Court and several nearby buildings were evacuated after authorities discovered a suspicious package containing what officials described as homemade explosive materials.
According to local outlet ABC 15, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was alerted to the package around 8 a.m. local time on Monday, Jan. 5. After testing, officials determined the package contained multiple vials filled with homemade explosive substances. Court operations are expected to return to normal on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
In a letter sent to court staff and later obtained by ABC 15, officials stated that “a suspicious package was received by our mailroom and has tested positive for homemade explosives.”
DPS confirmed that multiple buildings on the Capitol Mall were evacuated, including the State Courts building, which houses both the Arizona Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, Division One. The building remained closed while authorities conducted additional security sweeps.
Once those sweeps are completed, officials said the package will be removed from the site for further examination and eventual disposal.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms’ Phoenix branch also confirmed via a post on X that it was dispatched to the Supreme Court building to investigate the suspicious substance.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs praised the response in a statement shared on X, thanking first responders and law enforcement for their quick action following the evacuation. She added that public safety remains her top priority and that she is closely monitoring the situation to keep residents informed.
Officials have not yet disclosed how the package was delivered, whether anyone handled it before authorities were notified, or the exact size of the package. No injuries were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have not identified a suspect at this time, according to the Arizona Republic.
