Hillsboro, OR – Washington County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a bomb threat at the county’s circuit courthouse in Hillsboro on Thursday morning, prompting a full evacuation and multi-agency investigation.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the report came in shortly after 9 a.m. at the courthouse located at 145 NE 2nd Avenue. Court staff and visitors were escorted to safety as deputies, joined by the Portland Metro Explosives Disposal Unit, FBI, ATF, and Port of Portland, conducted a thorough search of the building and nearby offices.
Deputies completed a room-by-room sweep, looking for any suspicious items. By late morning, investigators confirmed that no explosive devices were found, and officials now believe the threat was a hoax.
“The investigation into who made the threatening call is ongoing,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. Those affected by the evacuation will have their hearings rescheduled, while afternoon proceedings resumed after 1 p.m.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111, referencing case number 50-25-15241.
