Arizona's Supreme Court evacuated after package tests positive for explosives

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Supreme Court building in the southwestern US state of Arizona was evacuated Monday after staff in the mailroom identified a suspicious package that later tested positive for explosives, local media reported.

In an alert issued to the staff, the court said the facility was closed as authorities are investigating a "suspicious package," local TV station ABC15 reported.

Court personnel were informed that the package was received in the mailroom and contained traces of homemade explosives.

Authorities immediately ordered a complete evacuation of the State Courts Building, saying it would remain closed until further notice.

The Arizona Department of Education, which is located near the court building, had also been evacuated, said the Arizona's Family group of stations, which is affiliated with CBS.

The court noted that it did not have an estimate for how long the complete sweep and removal of the package would take. All court staff were advised to leave the premises.