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June 23, 2006

Photo: All-clear given at the State House

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
State police cars are lined up at the State House as the investigation into the bomb threat continues.

PROVIDENCE -- Just before 3:30 this afternoon, employees were allowed back into the State House after a two-hour evacuation caused by a bomb threat.

The evacuation order came at 1:25, following a phoned-in threat received by the governor's office. Jeff Neal, spokesman for Governor Carcieri, said it was a "very brief call," and "there were very few specifics."

Governor Carcieri was not at the State House, located at the top of Smith Hill, overlooking downtown. He was at a previously scheduled event in Warwick.

The governor's office called the Capitol police, which followed the standard protocol in ordering the building to be evacuated. The fire marshal's bomb squad arrived on scene at 1:51 p.m. Dogs from the fire marshal's office, the state police and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation are involved in the search.

The evacuation came just after General Assembly committees were scheduled to start meeting, and as legislators were hoping to wrap up this year's session tonight. There is no word yet on how the evacuation will affect today's legislative schedule.

"It's unfortunate. We have a lot of work to get done for the people of this state," said Sen. John J. Tassoni, D-Smithfield.

As the crowd gathered across Smith Street, lawmakers appeared anxious. But the business of government continued, as lobbyists worked the crowd, talking with legislators about their issues. After being outside for more than an hour, some lawmakers and staffers are huddled in their cars with the air conditioning running.

Several people expressed concern that this was a bad way to start what was already going to be a long evening. One lobbyist was overheard saying, "There are better ways to kill off a piece of legislation."

About 11 minutes after the announcement to evacuate the historic white marble building, several state troopers and Providence police officers arrived to assist Capitol police officers.

-- Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 3:34 PM | Permalink

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