Standoff at Chicago courthouse ends after more than 9 hours
Share this @internewscast.com


CHICAGO (WGN) The Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago and its surrounding streets are back open Wednesday morning after a knife-wielding man entered the lobby Tuesday and demanded to speak to the FBI, forcing a building evacuation and a lengthy standoff with police.

For nine hours Tuesday, according to authorities, a man wearing a backpack and holding a large knife to his neck paced around the lobby of the building. Employees received the first emergency alert just before 11 a.m., and surrounding streets were blocked off during the ensuing standoff and investigation.

The incident was resolved by Tuesday night, but police have not released the name of the man taken into custody or a possible motive behind his actions.

A federal law enforcement source said a man carrying a backpack walked into the public side of the lobby late Tuesday morning, asking to talk to several people. He then pulled out a knife and held it to this throat while asking to speak with the FBI, according to sources.

As the roads were shut down, agents broke into and searched a 2008 Chevrolet Impala with Nebraska plates parked along Jackson Boulevard. After the vehicle was cleared by federal agents, it was hauled away on a flatbed.

A source within the building told WGN News the building was never on lockdown and employees were directed initially to avoid the lobby. Just before 3 p.m., however, law enforcement reportedly called for a mandatory evacuation of the building. U.S. Marshals also helped escort employees out of the courthouse.

FBI negotiators were also spotted at the scene.

At around 7 p.m. Tuesday, the man was seen repeatedly putting a sign to the window that read, “call lawyer.” He also appeared to have two other signs, one that read “bring lawyer” and another that read “no body cam?”

Just after 8 p.m., a large group of federal agents rushed into the building. A stretcher was also brought inside, and the man was brought out with a bandage on his neck, although it was not clear if he sustained a wound from the knife he was carrying.

Federal law enforcement sources told WGN-TV agents with the U.S. Marshals Service were able to tase the man and secure the scene with help from other federal agents.

Sources said the situation was resolved without incident.

The incident left many people who work nearby concerned.

“I get kind of a nervous feeling, given these are federal buildings and given everything that’s going on in our country already,” Stephanie Mabry, who works nearby, said. “So it makes me a little uneasy.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Michigan Gubernatorial Independent Candidate Mike Duggan Accumulates $3.2 Million in Half a Year

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said Friday his independent Michigan gubernatorial campaign brought…

San Francisco Restaurant Chef Resigns Following Incident with TikTok Influencer

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A new wine bar in San Francisco has…

Trump suggests using tariff revenue to fund rebate checks for Americans

() President Donald Trump on Friday suggested his administration might consider issuing…

Trump Endorses Joe Gruters of Sarasota for RNC Chair Position

On Thursday, President Trump expressed his backing for Florida state Senator Joe…

Lori Vallow Daybell gets a life sentence for two murder conspiracy charges in Arizona

PHOENIX (AP) Lori Vallow Daybell was sentenced to life in prison Friday…

Senators from both parties call for a study on wildfire insurance

A pair of bipartisan senators introduced legislation this week that would seek…

Southwest flight takes sudden dive to dodge midair crash, claim passengers

Passengers on a Southwest Airlines jet from Burbank to Las Vegas say…

US-China Trade Discussions: Is China Able to Lessen Its Reliance on Exports?

BEIJING – China’s high dependence on exports will likely be a key…

Majority of Voters Unhappy with Trump’s Approach to Epstein Documents: Survey

(The Hill) – A new poll indicates that more than half of…

“Star of ‘Chimp Crazy’ Admits to Concealing Apes: Lawyer”

() Tonia Haddix, the legally troubled star of the HBO docuseries “Chimp…

Texas Redistricting Dispute May Influence Other States

() The battle over Texas’ redistricting could send ripple effects through multiple…

UFO Specialist Discusses the Increase in Drones from Mexico: ‘A Typical Development’

() Fears that crime cartels in Mexico may be invading the U.S.…