Police closed down the U.S. Supreme Court after a “suspicious package” was reported on the front steps, according to reports.
WTVR 6 reported that staff were pushed out of the building around 1 p.m. after authorities responded to a report of a “suspicious package” at the Supreme Court.
🚨#BREAKING: Evacuations Underway at Supreme Court’s Front Steps Following Discovery of Suspicious Package
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 29, 2023
📌#Washington | #DC
Currently Multiple law enforcement are presently evacuating numerous individuals in response to a suspicious package discovered on the steps leading… pic.twitter.com/sIfNf7TQBK
U.S. Capitol Police later gave the “all clear” around 3 p.m. and everyone was let back in the building. The incident occurred hours after the high court ruled that race could not be a factor in college admissions.
The history ruling divided many liberals and conservatives, with Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel among those commending the Supreme Court’s decision.
“Republicans stand for parents, students, and merit-based admissions that help kids achieve their potential. Discriminating against any student based on their race causes irreparable harm to families trying to achieve the American Dream, and we applaud today’s decision,” McDaniel said in a statement.
Top Democrats, meanwhile, criticized the decision, arguing that it would make colleges less diverse.
“For decades, the Supreme Court recognized a college’s freedom to decide how to build a diverse student body and provide opportunity,” President Joe Biden said. “Today, the Court walked away from precedent, effectively ending affirmative action in higher education. I strongly disagree with this decision.”
As for the suspicious package, the police did not disclose whether it ended up being a legitimate threat. This comes after several Republican lawmakers in Kansas recently received letters containing “suspicious white powder.”
The trend began last month, when dozens of lawmakers and other public servants reported that they had received suspicious packages. Republican Senate President Ty Masterson immediately informed lawmakers and warned them to exercise caution when opening their mail.
“If you have something that looks odd, please contact the KBI prior to opening OR if you find a white substance, please call the KBI prior to handling,” Masterson wrote in an email sent to his constituents.
State Sen. Molly Baumgardner, who also received a suspicious package, believes that Kansas legislators and Republicans are being targeted.
“We’re using our finest resources and it’s being squandered because someone – or a group of people – are very deliberately trying to make a point,” Baumgardner said. “Kansas Legislators that are Republican are being targeted. There appears to be some message.”
