Officials Clear Suspicious Package Found Outside County GOP Office In Hudson, Wisconsin
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A suspicious package that was found outside the St. Croix County Republican Party office in downtown Hudson, Wisconsin Tuesday morning has been cleared.
The Hudson Police Department says the package was noticed shortly before 9 a.m. outside the building on the 100 block of South 2nd Street. Officers identified the package as a potential threat and cordoned off the area. Nearby businesses were evacuated, and the public was advised to avoid the area.
The St. Paul office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms responded to the scene.
As of 2:40 p.m., the Hudson Police Department determined that the package was safe. It was described as a "military-style ammunition container with several obstructions and wires protruding from the container."
Authorities said that it was full of miscellaneous items but never presented a threat to public safety. All area businesses have reopened.
The Wisconsin GOP provided WCCO-TV with the following statement:
"We have differences in our views, in our philosophies, and our vision for America, but violence or threats of violence cannot stand because such actions lead to potential destruction that can't be overcome," said Andrew Hitt, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin. "We are grateful that everyone is safe at this time and we hope that the situation is swiftly and safely resolved."