The Arizona Supreme Court and several nearby buildings were evacuated Monday morning after authorities discovered a suspicious package containing what officials described as homemade explosives.
According to local outlet ABC 15, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was alerted around 8 a.m. on Jan. 5. After testing the contents, investigators determined the package contained multiple vials of homemade explosive substances. Court operations are expected to resume as normal on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
A letter sent to court staff stated that “a suspicious package was received by our mailroom and has tested positive for homemade explosives,” according to a document obtained by ABC 15.
Multiple buildings along the Capitol Mall were evacuated, including the State Courts building, which houses the Arizona Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, Division One. Officials said the State Courts building remained closed while additional safety sweeps were conducted.
Once those sweeps are completed, authorities plan to remove the package for further examination and eventual disposal.
The Phoenix branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed on X that agents were dispatched to the Supreme Court building to investigate the suspicious substance.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs also addressed the incident in a statement shared on X, thanking first responders and law enforcement for their swift action and emphasizing that public safety remains her top priority. She added that the situation is being closely monitored and that updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Officials have not yet disclosed how the package was delivered, whether anyone handled it before law enforcement was notified, or the package’s size. No injuries have been reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have not identified a suspect, according to the Arizona Republic.
