Authorities evacuated the Arizona Supreme Court and multiple surrounding government buildings in downtown Phoenix on Monday morning after a suspicious package discovered inside the court complex was found to contain explosive substances, according to state officials. The incident triggered a large-scale law enforcement response, temporarily shut down a key section of the state Capitol Mall, and raised renewed concerns about security threats targeting public institutions.
The discovery was reported shortly after the start of the business day, when courthouse personnel alerted authorities to an unusual package received through official channels. Within minutes, state and federal law enforcement agencies mobilized to assess the potential danger, prioritizing the safety of court employees, government workers, and members of the public in the area.
Discovery of the Package
According to a joint statement issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Supreme Court, officials were notified at approximately 8 a.m. on Jan. 5 that a “suspicious package” had arrived at the courthouse. The package was initially identified in the building’s mailroom, an area that routinely processes official correspondence and deliveries for the state’s highest court.
Upon discovery, internal security protocols were immediately activated. Court administrators notified law enforcement and began coordinating a controlled response to prevent any potential harm. The Supreme Court was not in session at the time, a factor officials later said helped limit risk to the public.
Law Enforcement Response and Testing
Local and state law enforcement agencies responded quickly, joined by federal authorities from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, whose Phoenix Field Division was dispatched to the scene. ATF specialists conducted on-site testing of the materials contained within the package to determine whether it posed an immediate threat.
Officials later confirmed that the package contained multiple small vials. Testing revealed that at least two of those vials were positive for homemade explosive substances. While authorities did not specify the exact composition of the materials, they emphasized that the presence of explosive compounds necessitated a full evacuation and extensive safety measures.
Evacuations Across the Capitol Mall
In response to the findings, DPS ordered the evacuation of multiple buildings along the Capitol Mall, a central area that houses several key state offices. Among those evacuated was the State Courts Building on West Washington Street, which is home to both the Arizona Supreme Court and the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.
Nearby government offices were also cleared as a precaution. These included the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Administration, both of which are located within close proximity to the courts complex. Officials said the decision to evacuate multiple buildings was made out of an abundance of caution, given the uncertainty surrounding the scope and intent of the incident.
Employees were instructed to leave the area immediately, and surrounding parking lots were closed to prevent access while authorities secured the scene. Traffic disruptions were reported in the area as emergency vehicles and law enforcement personnel established a perimeter.
Instructions to Court Staff
An internal alert sent to court staff and later shared publicly outlined the seriousness of the situation. The message confirmed that the suspicious package had been received by the courthouse mailroom and warned employees that a “complete sweep” of the building would be conducted before it could reopen.
“All court staff are advised to leave the building and work remotely from home,” the alert stated, citing a “hazardous situation.” Officials emphasized that there was no estimate at the time for how long the evacuation and investigation would last.
Court administrators coordinated with law enforcement to ensure that employees could safely retrieve personal belongings when appropriate and were provided guidance on remote work arrangements for the remainder of the day.
Broader Impact on State Offices
The evacuation extended beyond the judiciary. The Arizona Department of Education, located across the street from the courts complex, was also cleared on Monday morning as a precautionary measure. A department representative later confirmed that staff were evacuated safely and that no incidents occurred within the building itself.
State officials said alerts were issued to additional nearby offices to remain vigilant, though not all were required to evacuate. The broader response reflected heightened sensitivity to potential threats involving government facilities, particularly those tied to the judicial system.
No Injuries Reported
Despite the discovery of explosive substances, officials confirmed that no injuries were reported. There was no indication that the materials detonated or that anyone attempted to activate them. Law enforcement credited the prompt identification of the package and swift response for preventing harm.
Once the immediate danger was assessed and the area secured, authorities began planning for the safe removal and disposal of the package. DPS said the materials would be handled in accordance with established protocols for hazardous and explosive substances.
Reopening of the Courthouse
After several hours of investigation and building sweeps, authorities determined that there were no additional threats within the State Courts Building or the surrounding area. A representative for the Arizona Supreme Court confirmed on Tuesday that the courthouse reopened at 8 a.m. local time for regular business.
The Arizona Department of Education also resumed normal operations on Tuesday morning. Officials said additional security measures were temporarily increased as a precaution, though details of those measures were not publicly disclosed.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Tuesday, authorities had not publicly identified a suspect connected to the package. DPS confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that both state and federal agencies are working together to determine who sent the materials and why.
Officials declined to speculate on motive, including whether the package was intended as a threat against the judiciary or another state institution. They emphasized that releasing incomplete information could compromise the investigation.
“More information will be shared with the public when it becomes available,” DPS said in its statement.
Security Concerns and Public Institutions
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the safety of public buildings and the potential targeting of government institutions. Courts, in particular, have faced increased scrutiny in recent years as politically charged cases and high-profile rulings have sometimes drawn threats or harassment.
While officials stressed that there is no evidence linking this incident to a broader pattern at this time, security experts note that mailrooms are often considered vulnerable points of entry for hazardous materials. Many government facilities have implemented additional screening measures in response to past incidents nationwide.
Reassurance From Officials
State officials sought to reassure the public that appropriate safety protocols were followed and that the threat was handled effectively. They praised courthouse staff for recognizing the suspicious package and contacting authorities without delay.
“The safety of our employees and the public is our top priority,” officials said, adding that lessons learned from the incident would be reviewed to further strengthen security procedures.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact law enforcement. While operations at the Arizona Supreme Court and neighboring offices have returned to normal, the discovery has left a lasting impression on employees and underscored the importance of vigilance in government workplaces.
For now, officials say the focus remains on identifying those responsible and ensuring that similar threats are prevented in the future, as Arizona’s judicial system resumes its work under heightened awareness and caution.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
