PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The all-clear has been given after the discovery of a suspicious bag on Thursday morning led to the evacuation of Philadelphia City Hall.
Police say it all began when a City Council staffer noticed an unattended backpack just after 11 a.m.
After being unable to figure out who owned the bag, the staffer contacted the sheriff’s department.
News conference on evacuation of Philadelphia City Hall
As deputies investigated the bag, two police K-9s detected the presence of explosive powder, police say.
That’s when City Hall was evacuated.
Action News reporter Maggie Kent was inside City Hall to cover the session of council when the evacuation began.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said a further investigation by Philadelphia Police showed nothing dangerous inside the bag.
However, the rest of City Hall was searched as a precaution.
Investigators were able to use surveillance video to quickly identify the person who left the bag behind.
Sources tell Action News the bag contained a laptop, boxing gloves, shoes and jump rope.
Vanore said that person is being questioned but has not been charged, saying it’s possible there was no nefarious intent.
He said residue on the bag from a gun range, for example, could have caused the K-9s to “hit” on the bag.
The scene has been cleared, and everyone was allowed back inside City Hall around 1 p.m.
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