ST.PAUL, Minn. – The State Capitol went into lockdown after an email bomb threat. The Minnesota State Patrol ‘s capitol security team launched an immediate search for any evidence ip a bomb. The team issued an “all clear” statement about 10:15 a.m. “As a precaution, Capitol Security will have an increased presence in the building for the remainder of the day,” the State Patrol said. The threat matched email messages against state capitols in several states. Capitols in Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky and Mississippi were briefly evacuated. All the threats were determined tiobe hoaxes. This is the timeline of what happened in St. Paul:
> 9 a.m.: Email received.
> 9:15 a.m.: Lockdown in place.
>10:15 a.m.: Security: “No suspicious or threatening items were found.”
Capitol profile
Construction of the Capitol took nine years. It opened in 1905. The Capitol comprises 378,000 square feet and currently houses the governor’s office, the attorney general’s office, Senate chambers, House chambers, the state Office of Administration, and the state Historical Society. Legislators have offices in separate buildings. About 100 state employes have workspace in the Capitol.
Architectural showcase of civic pride. Centerpiece: The second-largest self-supported marble dome in the world. The exterior is marble. Decorative art, murals and paintings have been restored to their original 1905 patterns and colors. Free 45-minute guided tours available on the hour.