This morning's threat sent the Union County Government Center and the county courthouse in Monroe into a swift evacuation, as deputies cleared the buildings and surrounding areas with help from federal agents. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with the sweep, and investigators later reported they found no items that would pose a risk. The courthouse reopened for normal operations at 11:20 a.m.
What officials said
The Union County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post that deputies received a call for service involving a threat to the safety and security of the courthouse. As a precaution, both the courthouse and the Government Center were evacuated while deputies swept the area. Investigators reported they found no items or circumstances that would pose a risk to the public and said operations would resume once the facilities were fully secured, according to the sheriff's office.
Federal agency assists
Local television coverage reported that deputies worked alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to clear the surrounding area and make sure there was no ongoing threat, as reported by WBTV. The station added that it was not yet clear whether investigators had identified a suspect early in the investigation.
County notice and access
The county's official website posted an alert stating that the Government Center and Judicial Center were temporarily closed because of law enforcement activity. Residents were urged to rely on county communication channels for official updates, per Union County's website. The sheriff's office indicated it would share additional information as appropriate.
What residents should know
The sheriff's post said the courthouse reopened for normal operations at 11:20 a.m., after deputies cleared the surrounding areas and investigators determined there was no ongoing danger, according to the sheriff's office. Anyone with scheduled court business is advised to confirm times and access with Union County before heading to the Government Center or Judicial Center.
