California's state Capitol building in Sacramento underwent an emergency evacuation Friday morning following an emailed threat, prompting a swift response from law enforcement officials.
The California Highway Patrol ordered the evacuation of the main Capitol building and nearby legislative offices on O Street before 9 a.m. after receiving the threatening email. Capitol staff and lawmakers were directed to leave the premises and work remotely while authorities assessed the situation.
The evacuation impacted three main buildings - the Capitol, the O Street Building, and the Legislative Office Building. Most legislators had already departed for their home districts following this week's special session and swearing-in ceremonies for new members. Governor Gavin Newsom was away in Los Angeles attending a Democratic Governors Association event at the time.
Law enforcement conducted thorough searches of the evacuated buildings to evaluate the credibility of the threat. The Capitol complex remained closed while the California Highway Patrol carried out their security protocols and investigation.
The incident occurred during a relatively quiet period at the Capitol, as the Legislature had largely concluded its business for the week after reconvening briefly to welcome new members and launch a special session.
Capitol security officials maintained regular communication with staff throughout the incident, keeping them updated on building access and safety protocols while the investigation was underway.
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