Government Buildings, Officials Targeted
Richmond, Va., City Hall Threat But Panic Alarms Don't Work
Experts, Law Enforcement Say to Expect More During Election Year
The Richmond, Virginia Mayor’s Office is looking into better security systems at city hall after a man allegedly stormed into City Council offices and threatened to kill the entire floor December 28. The aide for one of the council members said the man who made the threats has been previously banned from city hall. He said city hall offices have panic buttons, but when pressed December 28 during the incident, nothing happened. Contracted security officers were finally reached by phone. They responded and removed the man from the premises. WRIC 8 Richmond asked the Mayors Office about the malfunctioning panic buttons. They gave a statement that said the city administration is currently investigating the incident and will take any necessary precautions.
There have been growing numbers of personal, weapons, bomb, and white powder attacks on state and local government buildings. Security experts tweated by the Security Blog say they expect even more such attacks and threats as the 2012 election year gains more steam.