PRESS RELEASE — This morning around 9:05 a.m., BPD received a 911 call from a male who threatened to blow up the courthouse.

He then hung up the phone.

They notified Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch. Deputies began the evacuation of the courthouse and searching for any suspicious devices.

There were hundreds of people in the courthouse due to jury duty, courts, etc. as well as regular county business. Deputies and BPD blocked off intersections near the courthouse and diverted traffic as well as assisted getting traffic out of the parking lots. Neches Credit Union, located near the courthouse was also notified of the evacuation. The Port of Beaumont was placed on lock-down.

The Bomb Dog from Port Arthur FD was called to do a sweep of the courthouse. The JCSO Drone was used to search the roofs and the grounds. After a thorough search of the courthouse, it was deemed safe to return. No devices were located.