Screenshot
Official Statement from the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office 9/17/26 – Philadelphia City Hall Incident
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Earlier today, an unattended bag was discovered inside Philadelphia City Hall during City Council’s session. Out of an abundance of caution, Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office personnel immediately initiated appropriate safety protocols, including deploying K-9 units, coordinating with the Philadelphia Police Department, and temporarily evacuating the building.
The individual associated with the bag was identified and taken into custody without incident. The Philadelphia Police Department Bomb Squad subsequently assessed and cleared the bag, and law enforcement conducted an additional sweep of the building before City Hall was reopened.
The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office thanks our Deputy Sheriffs, K-9 teams, supervisors, the Philadelphia Police Department, and all responding law enforcement personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response. The safety of City Hall employees, elected officials and members of the public remains our highest priority.
###