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

Florida Man Arrested in Disturbing Teen Trafficking Case, Described as ‘The Gates of Hell’ by Sheriff

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Melbourne resident is set to face incarceration…

Bristol, VA Leaders Speak Out: Impactful Reactions to Redistricting Vote Unveiled

In a decisive turn of events, Virginia voters have given a nod…

Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Faces Potential Sanctions from Lawmakers

WASHINGTON – Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida finds herself at a…

Senate Hearings Spotlight Cassidy’s Balancing Act Between Trump Allegiance and Scientific Integrity

On Wednesday, Bill Cassidy will find his roles as a legislator, physician,…

Federal Judge Overturns Key Trump-Era Policies Hindering Clean Energy Progress

WASHINGTON – In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Massachusetts…

Griffith Advocates Against Bristol’s Redistricting Referendum

On Tuesday morning, in Bristol, Virginia, Congressman Morgan Griffith was present to…

UK Inflation Soars in March: Fuel Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict Impact

LONDON – In March, the United Kingdom experienced a rise in inflation,…

Two Individuals Charged with Cemetery Vandalism in Carter County

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Authorities have charged two individuals in connection…

Teotihuacan Pyramids Temporarily Closed Following Shooting Incident

MEXICO CITY – The renowned Teotihuacan pyramids in Mexico were shut down…