ALBERT LEA – A caller threatening a bomb cleared the courthouse in Albert Lea, Minnesota, authorities say.
Shortly after 1:30 PM on August 1, 2024, the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office received a call over 911. The caller said a bomb was planted in the “Albert Lea Courthouse” and was demanding 1 million dollars. The caller said they would call after 2 with further instructions.
The Freeborn County Government Center was evacuated and employees were sent home for the day. Dispatch was set up at an alternate site. A sweep of the building was completed and nothing suspicious was noted. Bomb detection dogs were called to assist from Olmsted County and Rochester PD to assist in the search.
The all clear for the building was given around 5:30 PM. The investigation into the origin of the call is still on going.