Standoff at Chicago courthouse ends after more than 9 hours
Share and Follow


CHICAGO (WGN) The Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago and its surrounding streets are back open Wednesday morning after a knife-wielding man entered the lobby Tuesday and demanded to speak to the FBI, forcing a building evacuation and a lengthy standoff with police.

For nine hours Tuesday, according to authorities, a man wearing a backpack and holding a large knife to his neck paced around the lobby of the building. Employees received the first emergency alert just before 11 a.m., and surrounding streets were blocked off during the ensuing standoff and investigation.

The incident was resolved by Tuesday night, but police have not released the name of the man taken into custody or a possible motive behind his actions.

A federal law enforcement source said a man carrying a backpack walked into the public side of the lobby late Tuesday morning, asking to talk to several people. He then pulled out a knife and held it to this throat while asking to speak with the FBI, according to sources.

As the roads were shut down, agents broke into and searched a 2008 Chevrolet Impala with Nebraska plates parked along Jackson Boulevard. After the vehicle was cleared by federal agents, it was hauled away on a flatbed.

A source within the building told WGN News the building was never on lockdown and employees were directed initially to avoid the lobby. Just before 3 p.m., however, law enforcement reportedly called for a mandatory evacuation of the building. U.S. Marshals also helped escort employees out of the courthouse.

FBI negotiators were also spotted at the scene.

At around 7 p.m. Tuesday, the man was seen repeatedly putting a sign to the window that read, “call lawyer.” He also appeared to have two other signs, one that read “bring lawyer” and another that read “no body cam?”

Just after 8 p.m., a large group of federal agents rushed into the building. A stretcher was also brought inside, and the man was brought out with a bandage on his neck, although it was not clear if he sustained a wound from the knife he was carrying.

Federal law enforcement sources told WGN-TV agents with the U.S. Marshals Service were able to tase the man and secure the scene with help from other federal agents.

Sources said the situation was resolved without incident.

The incident left many people who work nearby concerned.

“I get kind of a nervous feeling, given these are federal buildings and given everything that’s going on in our country already,” Stephanie Mabry, who works nearby, said. “So it makes me a little uneasy.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
A Columbia genocide scholar says she may leave over university's new definition of antisemitism

Columbia Genocide Scholar Considers Departure Due to University’s Revised Antisemitism Definition

NEW YORK (AP) — For years, Marianne Hirsch, a prominent genocide scholar…
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell's cause of death at 55 is FINALLY revealed

Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell’s Cause of Death at 55 Has Been Disclosed

Food Network star Anne Burrell’s cause of death has been revealed, five…
Horrifying story behind photo of starving child in Gaza

Heartbreaking Story Revealed by Photo of Malnourished Child in Gaza

A journalist who captured a heart-wrenching image of a mother holding her…
What's happening in the Ksoo trial on Day 2

Day 2 Updates of the Ksoo Trial

Hakeem Robinson, a Jacksonville rapper known as Ksoo, is on trial for…
California man federally charged in alleged dating-app scheme

California Resident Faces Federal Charges in Alleged Dating App Fraud

A California man was arrested on a 14-count federal indictment Thursday that…
Trump administration abandons proposed tractor-trailer speed limit rule

The Trump Administration Drops Plan for New Speed Limit Regulation on Large Trucks

(The Hill) – The Department of Transportation on Thursday withdrew a proposed rule…
Pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71

Legendary Pro Wrestler Hulk Hogan Passes Away at 71

Pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has died, police and World Wrestling Entertainment…
Tulsi Gabbard's unprecedented accusation against Obama and 'The Osbournes' cultural impact: Morning Rundown

Democrats in the House Push Republicans to Repeatedly Vote on Epstein Documents

WASHINGTON — As the Republican-led House of Representatives prepared to leave town…