Pueblo’s Dennis Maes Judicial Building was abruptly evacuated Friday afternoon after a bomb threat was called in, forcing hundreds of people into the street and halting court business for the day.
The threat came in just after 3:15 p.m. to the courthouse at 501 N. Elizabeth Street. Within minutes, deputies and Pueblo police ordered everyone out while K9 units swept the building and parking lot.
Threat Reported and Immediate Response
Pueblo County Sheriff’s deputies say the call came directly to the judicial building. The caller claimed explosives had been placed inside.
By 3:30 p.m. the building was empty. Court staff, attorneys, defendants, victims, and visitors all stood outside in the September heat while law enforcement took control of the scene.
“It was scary for a minute,” said one attorney who was in the middle of a hearing when the evacuation order came. “We just grabbed what we could and got out.”
Search Finds Nothing Suspicious
Bomb dog teams from the Sheriff’s Office and Pueblo Police Department searched every floor, courtroom, office, and the parking lot.
At 4:10 p.m., just under an hour after the threat, officials gave the all-clear.
No explosive devices were found. The building was declared safe.
Deputies stressed there is no ongoing danger to the public. Court employees were allowed back inside briefly to secure files, but all hearings scheduled for the rest of the day were canceled or postponed.
Third Threat in Southern Colorado This Year
This marks at least the third bomb threat against a southern Colorado courthouse in 2024.
In January, the El Paso County Judicial Building in Colorado Springs was evacuated for the same reason. That threat also turned out to be a hoax.
In July, the Fremont County courthouse in Cañon City received a similar call. Again, nothing was found.
Law enforcement sources tell 11 News these threats often follow the same pattern: a single phone call, vague claims about a bomb, and no device ever located.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Outside the courthouse Friday, people expressed a mix of relief and frustration.
“I have a custody hearing that got pushed again,” said Maria Rodriguez, who was waiting with her two young children. “I understand safety comes first, but this keeps happening and it’s exhausting.”
The FBI has been notified and is assisting in the investigation. Authorities say they are working to trace the call.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office at 719-583-6125.
The Dennis Maes Judicial Building will reopen Monday morning with normal hours. Court officials say extra security measures will be in place when employees return.
