BREAKING: Arizona Supreme Court Evacuated After Suspicious Package Tests Positive for Explosives

The Arizona Supreme Court building was evacuated Monday afternoon after a suspicious package discovered in the facility’s mailroom tested positive for what authorities described as homemade explosives, prompting law enforcement and hazardous-materials units to secure the scene and send staff home for the day. 

Court officials say the package, which officials reported did not have a return address, was found in the building’s mailroom near 15th Avenue and Washington Street shortly before 10:30 a.m., according to AZ Family. Staff alerted law enforcement after noticing the item and subsequently evacuated the structure as a precaution. 

JUST IN | Supreme Court Evacuated
The Arizona Supreme Court building near downtown Phoenix has been evacuated as authorities investigate a package that tested positive for explosives.

📍 Phoenix, Arizona pic.twitter.com/91ow1jvKKj

— Citizen (@CitizenApp) January 5, 2026

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel responded to the scene, along with specialized units equipped to handle hazardous materials. At this stage, investigators were working to gather more details, including when the package was delivered, who may have handled it, and whether it was specifically addressed to the court or just routed through general mail processing. 

Officials have not yet released additional information about the nature of the explosive test result, and it remains unclear whether the finding will be confirmed by follow-up analysis or lab testing. Law enforcement leaders have also not publicly identified any suspects or possible motives as of the latest updates. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Phoenix Field Division, the agency is on scene and investigating.

BREAKING NEWS @ATFPhoenix is on scene at the Arizona Supreme Court Building at 1501 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ to investigate a suspicious substance found at the location. Please direct all media inquiries to local state law enforcement authorities for updates. pic.twitter.com/44EWL9KYWE

— ATF Phoenix (@ATFPhoenix) January 5, 2026

The evacuation included all employees and visitors in the downtown Phoenix courthouse, which houses the state’s highest judicial authority. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues, though no wider public threat has been reported at this time. 

This incident marks a rare instance of an apparent security threat directly affecting one of Arizona’s central government institutions. In recent years, there have been isolated reports of suspicious packages at other government facilities, but none that – as of yet – have been confirmed to contain explosive materials. 

For the most current information, law enforcement sources said updates would be released as soon as they have been vetted and verified. No injuries have been reported. All court operations were suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation. 

This is a developing story. California Globe will provide updates as they are made available.