Authorities in Honolulu evacuated the Hawaii State Capitol on Saturday morning after a bomb threat was reported. Police confirmed in a Facebook post that the bomb threat had led to road closures and the relocation of the planned protest.
The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) said officers assisted state sheriffs in clearing the building around 9:50 a.m. local time, while urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Hawaii local media KHON 2 reported that the protests that the authorities planned to suppress were the “No Dictators” protest movement.
Thousands of people are expected to take part in a “stand up to the dictator” protest from Thomas Square Park to the state Capitol on Saturday, Hawaii News Now reported.
Read more: Kingless protest turnout: How many people attended anti-Trump rally?
HPD lifts alert for evacuations, protests disrupted
Police blocked many streets around the Capitol, including Punchbowl, Richards, Miller and Beretania, causing severe damage to downtown Honolulu.
The evacuation comes as the Capitol prepares to host a local version of the national “No King” protest movement that has drawn large crowds across the United States.
According to a post shared by HPD, demonstrators were safely moved to the nearby grounds of Iolani Palace while authorities assessed the situation.
There have been no reports of casualties and police have not yet confirmed whether an explosive device was found. Authorities deployed canine units and special services to investigate the reported threats.
After a thorough search, officials determined that no explosive devices were found and there was no threat to public safety.
“The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and Department of Law Enforcement (DLE) have reopened all roadways as well as the Hawaii State Capitol… There is no threat to the public,” police said in an official update.
After the all-clear, demonstrators were allowed to return to the Capitol and resume their protests.
Read more: Kingless protests live updates: Video from Philadelphia, New York, Jersey – Watch
‘No King’ protests held across US
The event took place amid nationwide “No King” protests as protesters mobilized against the policies of the Donald Trump administration.
Millions of people have participated in protests over issues such as immigration enforcement, economic policy and civil liberties, with thousands of events organized across the United States.
