All clear: SPD East Precinct, other buildings evacuated after suspicious backpack found

On December 12, 2024, a significant security scare unfolded in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood when a suspicious backpack was discovered outside the East Precinct of the Seattle Police Department. The incident began around 7:45 AM, prompting immediate evacuations of the precinct and nearby buildings. The SPD Bomb Squad quickly examined the backpack, finding a white powdery substance that was later identified as non-hazardous. Authorities declared the area safe and issued an 'all clear' shortly before 10 AM, with no injuries reported. Detective Brian Pritchard emphasized the necessity of such precautionary measures in light of ongoing safety concerns.

The Seattle Fire Department conducted thorough tests to ensure the scene was secure before residents could return. Additionally, police are investigating and searching for a man who may have left the backpack behind. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance in urban areas regarding public safety and potential threats.