Emailed bomb threat empties state capitols across nation, including Hawai‘i

The Department of Law Enforcement has confirmed a bomb threat was emailed to certain members of the Senate relating to explosives being placed at the Hawai’i State Capitol Building.

The Sheriffs Division was contacted at about 6:40 a.m. today. The Hawai’i State Capitol was evacuated and the building was searched by deputies along with its Special Operations explosive detection K-9 units.

No explosives device or material was found. The Capitol was reopened at approximately 9:30 a.m. upon the completion of the search.

At least 23 other state capitols across the country allegedly received the same email, according to multiple news outlets, including Hawai‘i News Now.

The matter has been referred to the Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal Investigation Division and its Office of Homeland Security. The Department of Law Enforcement also made notification to its federal partners.