A large security increase was seen at the El Paso courthouse after law enforcement received information about a “threat directed at the courthouse,” authorities said.
Law enforcement officers were seen Wednesday, May 7, patrolling the outside of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in Downtown El Paso. Dozens of El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and El Paso County Constable deputies stood guard throughout the courthouse.
El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte confirmed a threat was made against the courthouse.
“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a threat directed at the courthouse,” Ugarte said in a statement. “In coordination with our local, state, and federal partners, we have implemented enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of all courthouse personnel and the public.”
“Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement personnel, including K-9 units, are conducting thorough inspections of the premises. We are following established protocols and remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment,” he said.
No further information was released.
Several courthouse officials confirmed the threat to the El Paso Times. The threat involved a courtroom on the sixth floor of the courthouse, the officials said.
Dozens of sheriff deputies stood guard on the sixth floor. As soon as people got off the sixth-floor elevator, they were required to go through metal detectors and have their bags searched by deputies.
Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on X/Twitter @AMartinezEPT.This story will be updated as more information is released.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Threat prompts heavy security at Downtown El Paso courthouse
Reporting by Aaron Martinez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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