“Suspicious package” was empty bag, bomb squad clears Richland Fed. Building

UPDATE at 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 1: The “suspicious package” that was reported at the Richland Federal Building on Monday afternoon was ultimately an empty bag, according to the Richland Police Department.

Authorities say that bomb squads are clearing the scene and there is no threat to the public as a result of this investigation. Once RPD officials clear the scene, all workers and individuals who were evacuated from the building will be cleared to return.

The following breaking news story has been left unaltered from its original publishing.

RICHLAND, Wash. —  Bomb squads and police officers are surrounding the Richland Federal Building at 825 Jadwin Ave for reports of a “suspicious package” that was located at the scene.

Details are limited as crews are on-scene responding as of 2:00 p.m. on August 1, 2022. Authorities ask that community members avoid the area until further notice as they assess the possible threat and secure this building.

Located directly across from John Dam Plaza, access to the federal building runs through critical roadways including George Washington Way in Downtown Richland.

READ: Richland Bomb Squad recovers device from Duportail Bridge

Congressman Dan Newhouse is scheduled to hold a rally at John Dam Plaza on Monday evening—just ahead of the primary elections on Tuesday night.

Just days earlier, the bomb squad was deployed to the Duportail Bridge for reports of another suspicious package.

This is a breaking news story. An update will be issued once further details are revealed.

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