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

Ex-Jan. 6 Prosecutor and Former DOJ Staffers File Lawsuit Against Trump Administration for Terminations

WASHINGTON — It was late in the afternoon on the final Friday…

Lockdown Issued at University of New Mexico Following Fatal Shooting Incident

A shooting occurred on Friday morning at the University of New Mexico…

Chuck E. Cheese Mascot Arrested in Front of Kids

Related video: Card skimming scams: What you need to know An employee…

Local High School Bands Implement Safety Measures for Summer Band Camp Sessions

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn., (WJHL) – High school bands around the Tri-Cities are…

Edenfield House Inn: 'Supporting Our Community in Every Way Possible'

SWAINSBORO, Ga. () – A staple in the Swainsboro community, the Edenfield…

“Forum Held by Pinellas Co. Schools on $9M Funding Freeze: ‘Why Let the Kids Suffer?'”

LARGO, Fla. (WLFA) — The Pinellas County School Board is addressing the…

UK Doctors Begin Five-Day Strike for Better Pay; Government Warns of Potential Patient Impact

LONDON – On Friday, thousands of doctors within England’s publicly funded healthcare…

Democrats Criticize Deputy AG’s Encounter with Ghislaine Maxwell

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

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…

EU Approves Injectable HIV Treatment That May Curb Transmission, According to Experts

LONDON – The European Medicines Agency has proposed the approval of a…

Southern California Reflects on Half-Year Milestone Since Devastating Wildfires

LOS ANGELES () As the death toll from January’s historic and devastating…

Rep. Ralph Norman, Known for Conservative Stance, to Join South Carolina Governor Race

CHAPIN, S.C. – Rep. Ralph Norman, among the most conservative Republicans in…