Man Arrested After Death Threats Prompt Burlington City Hall Evacuation

URGENT UPDATE: A man has been arrested following a serious incident that involved death threats against employees and elected officials of the City of Burlington. The alarming situation unfolded just after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting a swift police response and the evacuation of city hall.

Authorities report that the man, aged 37, called the city to threaten harm against staff members, leading police to implement a ‘hold and secure’ protocol. This measure allowed internal city hall activities to continue while locking down exterior doors. Mayor Marianne Meed Ward initially thought the unfolding event was a drill. “So, you know, we’re like, ‘oh yeah, we’re in the middle of a meeting, what a time for a drill?’ And then we very quickly realized it was not a drill,” she stated.

Once the reality of the threat became clear, police ordered a complete evacuation of the building. “You want to try to bring some normalcy,” Meed Ward said, “but I know we were all extremely rattled. No one’s ever dealt with that, including me.” The authorities acted quickly, arresting the suspect within hours and charging him with one count of uttering death threats. He is currently being held in custody in Milton until his bail hearing.

This incident underscores the growing concerns surrounding threats against public officials. In response to the increasing hostility faced by elected representatives, Mayor Meed Ward recently launched the Elect Respect campaign. This initiative encourages both officials and citizens to sign a pledge committing to treat each other with respect in all spaces—public, private, and online. The campaign also focuses on rejecting harassment and abuse, fostering a more civil public discourse.

“As leaders, we are asking for civility and respect,” Meed Ward emphasized, noting that nearly 200 elected officials and 500 citizens have already joined the campaign. More than 40 municipalities have adopted the accompanying resolution, which aims to address the rising incivility and danger faced by those in public service.

The situation in Burlington serves as a stark reminder of the challenges public officials encounter daily. As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike are left to grapple with the implications of such threats against the backdrop of an increasingly tense political climate.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.