SALT LAKE CITY –The Utah Department of Public Safety confirmed Thursday night that the suspicious package that prompted an evacuation at the Utah State Capitol contained a rifle, and authorities are working to track down the man who left the wreath-topped package behind under suspicious circumstances.
Police said they are looking for a man observed on surveillance footage who knelt and appeared to have a moment of prayer in the middle of the rotunda before leaving the object behind, and the Utah DPS Commissioner stated around 7:35 p.m. the package contained a semi-automatic rifle. The man and his vehicle, described as a white, crossover SUV, are pictured in surveillance images below. Anyone who recognizes them should call 801-887-3800.
The weapon was not loaded, and several agencies, including the ATF, are working to locate the man and determine his motivation for the action.
The evacuations began around 4 p.m. when the object was discovered, and the Salt Lake City Police Department bomb squad was called in. By about 7 p.m. Thursday, officials stated there were no explosives found but at that time they did not elaborate on what was inside the package.
Utah Highway Patrol said there have been no threats made in connection with the incident.
This is a developing story. Read more at Fox 13 Now.
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A moment of prayer. With a rifle. And he got away? Who was the authority supposedly watching? City cops? Sheriffs office? Fire them. WTH?