An armed standoff has forced a county government campus in Washington state into lockdown, according to officials.
The Snohomish County government campus in Everett, Washington, was placed on lockdown because of the standoff between an armed suspect and law enforcement on Monday afternoon, said the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the suspect was in the lobby and armed with an unknown weapon, but that negotiations were actively taking place.
“There is an armed suspect in the lobby. Law enforcement is actively negotiating with him. No one can enter or exit the courthouse. Roads surrounding the courthouse are closed. Large law enforcement presence,” the sheriff’s office stated on Twitter.
They then had to ask a news helicopter to back away from the scene as they could not hear what the suspect was telling them.
And they then added: “The Snohomish County Campus remains on lockdown (3000 Rockefeller). Law enforcement is continuing to negotiate with the suspect.”
No injuries have been reported, according to King5.
Eyewitness Selena Rios told The Everett Herald newspaper that the alarm was raised after a man, whom she described as white, walked into the courthouse with several rifles and a bulletproof vest and refused to put them down when ordered to do so by officers.
“The suspect is in custody. No injuries. Courthouse remains closed to the public. Staff and community members inside the courthouse should follow directions from law enforcement regarding evacuation instructions,” the agency tweeted.
