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