Phoenix, January 6, 2026
The Arizona Supreme Court building in Phoenix was evacuated after a suspicious package containing homemade explosive substances was found in its mailroom. The package sparked a rapid response from law enforcement, leading to the temporary closure of the Capitol Mall area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and an investigation is underway to determine the package’s origin. Court officials have advised staff to work remotely until further notices, with court hours expected to resume soon.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Arizona Supreme Court building in Phoenix, along with several surrounding government structures, was evacuated on Monday, January 5, 2026, after a suspicious package containing homemade explosive substances was discovered in its mailroom. The incident prompted a rapid and coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies, leading to a temporary closure of the affected Capitol Mall area near 15th Avenue and Washington Street.
Immediate Response and Evacuation
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was alerted to the suspicious package around 8 a.m. local time on Monday morning. The package, found in the Supreme Court’s mail-handling facility, exhibited characteristics that raised immediate security concerns. Initial tests on the contents of the package revealed the presence of what authorities described as homemade explosive substances. Specifically, the package contained multiple vials, with two testing positive for these materials.
Following the positive test result, the evacuation of the Arizona Supreme Court building was initiated as early as 10:30 a.m., with staff instructed to go home, and many able to work remotely. Beyond the Supreme Court, the evacuation extended to other buildings on the Capitol Mall, including the State Courts Building (which houses the Arizona State Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, Division One), the state Education Department, the state Attorney General’s Office, and the Arizona Department of Administration. Roads around the court building, located near West Jefferson Street and 15th Avenue, just west of downtown Phoenix, were also cordoned off by Phoenix Police.
Law Enforcement Action and Investigation
A multi-agency effort was quickly mobilized to address the threat. The investigation is being led by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with significant support from the Phoenix Police Department, including its bomb squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Phoenix branch. Other local, state, and federal agencies are also involved in the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The primary focus of the operation was to secure the area, conduct thorough sweeps of the evacuated buildings, and safely remove the hazardous package for further examination and eventual disposal. DPS Public Information Officer Bart Graves indicated that authorities were in the process of removing the package in the late afternoon.
Investigators are actively working to determine the origin of the package, which reportedly did not bear a return address label. As of the latest updates, no suspect has been publicly identified, and DPS officials are actively searching for individuals involved. Officials have stated that there is currently no indication of terrorism connected to this specific incident.
Impact and Outlook
The State Courts Building remained closed as additional sweeps were conducted throughout Monday. Court officials advised approximately 150 staff members who typically work in the building on an average day, many of whom are able to work remotely, to do so until an all-clear was given. Court hours were expected to resume as usual on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs acknowledged the swift actions of first responders and law enforcement, reiterating that public safety remains a top priority and that she would continue to monitor the situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the continuous security challenges faced by government institutions and underscores the importance of vigilant mail screening processes and robust emergency response protocols. This remains a developing story.
The Arizona Supreme Court holds a crucial role as the highest court in the state, responsible for the interpretation of state laws and the oversight of the justice system. The rapid and professional response by numerous agencies ensured the safety of personnel and the public during this serious security threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at the Arizona Supreme Court?
- The Arizona Supreme Court building in Phoenix, along with several surrounding government structures, was evacuated on Monday, January 5, 2026, after a suspicious package containing homemade explosive substances was discovered in its mailroom.
- When was the incident reported?
- The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was alerted to the suspicious package around 8 a.m. local time on Monday, January 5, 2026.
- When did the evacuation occur?
- The evacuation of the Arizona Supreme Court building was initiated as early as 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026.
- What was found in the package?
- The package contained multiple vials, with two testing positive for homemade explosive substances.
- Were there any injuries?
- No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
- Which agencies are investigating the incident?
- The investigation is being led by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, with support from the Phoenix Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Phoenix branch, along with other local, state, and federal agencies.
- Is the investigation ongoing?
- Yes, the investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the package and identify those responsible.
- When were court hours expected to resume?
- Court hours were expected to resume as usual on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Key Features of the Arizona Supreme Court Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Evacuation due to suspicious package with homemade explosives | State-level |
| Location | Arizona Supreme Court building, Capitol Mall, Phoenix | State-level |
| Date of Incident | Monday, January 5, 2026 | State-level |
| Time of Alert | Around 8 a.m. local time | State-level |
| Time of Evacuation | As early as 10:30 a.m. | State-level |
| Package Contents | Multiple vials, two tested positive for homemade explosive substances | State-level |
| Other Evacuated Buildings | State Courts Building, Education Department, Attorney General’s Office, Department of Administration | State-level |
| Injuries Reported | None | State-level |
| Lead Investigating Agency | Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) | State-level |
| Status of Investigation | Ongoing; no suspect publicly identified | State-level |
| Resumption of Court Hours | Expected Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | State-level |
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