The Leighton Criminal Courthouse was closed Thursday afternoon after authorities were notified about a “possible threat.”
The nature of the threat was not immediately clear, but a spokesman for the Cook County sheriff’s office said an investigation determined the threat was not credible.
Garvin Ambrose, chief of staff for State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke, informed prosecutors they should leave the building and go home by 1:30 p.m. in an email obtained by the Sun-Times.
“While we are unsure of the credibility, in an abundance of caution we are asking all employees to please exit the building and head home by 1:30 [p.m.] to ensure your continued safety,” Ambrose said. “As always, if you see something please say something, but most importantly stay safe.”
It wasn’t clear whether other court personnel at the courthouse were also ordered to leave.
The move disrupted court proceedings and abruptly halted at least one jury trial, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
A spokeswoman for Chief Judge Tim Evans declined to comment.
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