Fire dept. responds to suspicious package at Orange County courthouse after 1st deemed harmless

Orlando Fire Rescue responded to a call about a suspicious package at the Orange County courthouse after a secondary sweep, following an initial call about a threat, authorities said.

Someone called in a threat to the Orange County courthouse Tuesday afternoon, causing roads in downtown Orlando to be shut down, deputies said.

Investigators worked to sweep through the building as hundreds of people were evacuated.

Part of Orange Avenue was closed from Livingston Street to Amelia Street, and Magnolia Avenue.

While Orange Avenue will remain closed while authorities conduct a second sweep, the other roads were reopened.

The courthouse and some surrounding buildings were evacuated. The Orlando Fire Department was called in to investigate.

”We did locate two suspicious items. The items were investigating using our standard procedures. Both items were rendered to be non-hazardous and non-threatening to the community,” said G.B. Lane of the Orlando Fire Department Deputy Chief.

Deputies later confirmed that there was a threat that was called into the courthouse, but by 3:15 p.m., officials said there was no hazard and that the roads would reopen.

"These aren't uncommon. We hope it's nothing," said public defender Bob Wesley.

All courtroom sessions were suspended, but it's not known if they will resume.

Cox Media Group