BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Supreme Court Building Evacuated After Suspicious Package Tests Positive for Explosives

Arizona Supreme Court Building Evacuated After Suspicious Package Tests Positive for Homemade Explosives

PHOENIX — The Arizona Supreme Court building in downtown Phoenix was abruptly evacuated on Monday morning after court staff discovered a suspicious package in the mailroom that preliminary tests indicated contained homemade explosives.

The incident unfolded shortly after 10:30 a.m. at the Arizona State Courts Building, located at 1501 W. Washington St. near 15th Avenue and Washington Street, close to the state Capitol complex. According to internal communications obtained by local media, the package—described as having no return label—was flagged during routine mail processing and subsequently tested positive for explosive materials.

"The package tested positive for homemade explosives," a court spokesperson confirmed in an email to staff, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building and surrounding parking lots. All Supreme Court and appellate court employees were sent home for the day, with administrative operations potentially disrupted.

As a precautionary measure, the Arizona Department of Education building across the street was also evacuated.Law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to the scene. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Phoenix office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and a bomb squad. ATF officials confirmed their presence on social media, stating they were investigating a "suspicious substance" at the location.

No injuries have been reported, and authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while a full sweep of the building is conducted and the package is safely removed.

The origin of the package and when it was delivered remain unclear, and investigators have not released details on potential motives. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns at government buildings nationwide, though officials have not linked it to any specific threat.

This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

17GEN4.com