Update, 4:45 pm:
Mayor Ted Wheeler responded to the threat with this press statement:
Today, City Hall was evacuated because of a bomb threat.
We learned that a person called several times expressing that a bomb was going to go off within the building.
City Hall Security, as well as the Portland Police Bureau, responded swiftly and checked the building thoroughly. Thankfully, they found no alarming devices or packages.
At this point, we donāt know if the threat was in response to the protests over the weekend.
These threats of violence are alarming and create a sense of fear that no one should experience, but unfortunately, this is increasingly becoming a reality in local government.
Iām grateful that nothing happened. Iām grateful for the swift action of our security and our officers.
We will let you know when we get more information.
Update, 1:15 pm:
The police bureau has allowed city staff back in the building, after officers deemed there was no "credible threat."
Original Story:
City staff have evacuated Portland City Hall after receiving a bomb threat over the phone, according to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB). The threat came in around 12:15 pm.
"The Portland Police Bureau is investigating the matter to determine the credibility of the threat," said PPB spokesperson Tina Jones in a brief press release.
According to Marshall Runkel, chief of staff for Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, the call came in through the City Attorney's office. "We are fine," wrote Runkel in an email to the Mercury.
Sonia Schmanski, chief of staff for Commissioner Nick Fish, told the Mercury that the call came from an out-of-state phone number.
We'll update this blog when more information becomes available.
