© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MI Capitol Swept Following Bomb Threat

Maxim Jenkins
/
WKAR-MSU

The state Capitol in Lansing is reopened to legislators and staffers following a security sweep Thursday morning. That’s after the building was closed due to a phoned-in bomb threat.

    

Rob Blackshaw is the Capitol’s director of operations. 

 

“The building is officially closed due to the health department standards and COVID, but if you’re a member or a staffer in the building, you can swipe and come to work,” he said.

 

Blackshaw says the call came about 6:40 in the morning and the all-clear was given around 9.

 

The Michigan State Police said in a statement the building was swept electronically and by a K-9 unit before it was declared safe for legislators and staff with clearance to enter. They added that more details won’t be released while the threat is under investigation.

 

“They brought in their bomb squad, which is a K-9 unit and other equipment to sweep the building to investigate and inspect the grounds and the building, and, fortunately, we have 100 percent confidence in their skill set and what they do,” Blackshaw said.

 

In April, a group of protestors – many with guns and tactical gear -- swarmed the Michigan Capitol while the Legislature was in session. Some were later implicated in an alleged plot to storm the building and to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!