Federal Courthouse In Pocatello Evacuated Because Of Musical Magazine

The federal courthouse in Pocatello was evacuated Tuesday due to a suspicious package found in the mailroom. Police found that the package did not contain a bomb, but a magazine with an electrical musical insert.

The item in question was similar to musical birthday cards and was an advertisement. Police said they had never seen something like that before.

Darrin Lambert with the U.S. Marshals said that yes, in hindsight, it was just a magazine, but the potential threat to the community was large enough to justify the actions taken.

U.S. court marshals found the package at approximately 11:45 a.m. Tuesday while doing a regular search of the building, and called Pocatello police as a part of their safety protocol, Pocatello Police Community Services Specialist Dianne Brush said.

Between 30 and 40 people were evacuated, and emergency personnel were the only people in the building, Brush said. Police also closed Seventh and Eighth streets at Sherman and Sublette. They are now open.

The Idaho Falls Regional Bomb Squad and a HazMat crew brought in a specialized robot while officers with automatic rifles were guarding the courthouse. They left the building at about 3:50 p.m.

VIDEO: The IFPD, bomb squad and hazmat team at the federal courthouse in Pocatello prepare to address a suspicious circumstance inside.