State Capitol back open after threat

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The state Capitol is back open after the building was evacuated for a bomb threat  just before noon today.

"After a standard security sweep of the Capitol, no explosive device was found on the premise and the Capitol is now open for normal business," spokesman Tom Vinger said. "This after a bomb threat was called in to 911 this morning. The Capitol was reopened at approximately 2 p.m. DPS will conduct a criminal investigation."

Authorities evacuated the state Capitol building just before noon Friday after a bomb threat against the Capitol and the Department of Public Safety Capitol District Office across the street, staffers said.

An alert sent by DPS to Capitol staffers at 11:51 a.m. read:

"A bomb threat has been received against the Capitol and police. DPS Capitol District Office and the Capitol are being evacuated. K-9s are conducting a sweep of the area at this time. Be vigilant and report suspicious activities to DPS at 463-3556."

A male caller made the threatening phone call to 911 operators around 11 a.m., saying he wanted to blow up both the DPS Capitol District and the Capitol building.

Officials cleared DPS authorities to go back into their building around noon, but staffers and visitors are still waiting for the all-clear in the pink dome as authorities conduct a sweep of the building.