Sen. Kamala Harris’s office, as well as several news outlets across California, were evacuated after suspicious packages were spotted in front of their buildings Wednesday morning.
Senator Harris shares a building with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and the San Diego Union-Tribune. Newspaper staff reported being evacuated because of a suspicious stack of packages in front of the building, which is located in the 600 B Street Buiding.
UT building downtown has been evacuated after suspicious pkgs found at entrance. State Sen Kamaka Harris and SDFD has offices in bldg also.Bomb squad at scene. pic.twitter.com/Poe67gUJuE
— John Gibbins (@JohnGibbinsSDUT) October 24, 2018
San Diego Police confirmed B street was closed down for more than an hour while they investigated the threat. The roadway was reopened just before 10 a.m. after the scene was declared clear.
All clear. Previously broadcast Sig Alert is cancelled. Roads reopening. Traffic is still expected to be heavy. pic.twitter.com/2h7FXo9Ljo
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) October 24, 2018
Sig Alert: westbound B Street between 6th and 12th. Southbound 6th Avenue to A Street. Expect delays and detours causing heavy traffic in the area. pic.twitter.com/O2sLSDkqao
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) October 24, 2018
Also Wednesday morning, NBC 26 in Fresno reported that it and the CBS station were placed on lockdown after similar suspicious packages were found in front of their newsrooms.
Fresno police evacuated the surrounding areas to investigate.
Police departments are urging caution after suspicious devices were sent to former President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, a Florida Democratic congresswoman and at least two CNN offices. To read more about that story, click here.
President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both condemned the incidents on Wednesday morning.
We condemn the attempted attacks against fmr Pres Obama, the Clintons, @CNN & others. These cowardly actions are despicable & have no place in this Country. Grateful for swift response of @SecretService, @FBI & local law enforcement. Those responsible will be brought to justice.
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) October 24, 2018
Statement on suspicious packages: pic.twitter.com/pYSbDvCvuk
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) October 24, 2018