FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The U.S.D.A. says most of the offices in five states that were closed today, because of emailed threats, will re-open Wednesday with additional security.
Authorities say U.S.D.A. facilities in Fort Collins; Hamden, Connecticut; Beltsville, Maryland; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Kearneysville and Leetown, West Virginia all received threats related to “mass shooting” casualties.
The FBI is still working to determine how credible those threats are.
Notices were posted on the front doors of several buildings in Fort Collins stating: Closed until further notice.
Five buildings and a garage were closed in the northern Colorado city.
Dept. of Agriculture security and Federal Protective Service officers stepped up patrols around the Federal campus.
On Tuesday evening, the U.S.D.A. sent out a news release stating in part: We have determined that the situation now allows us to begin reopening most of our facilities with enhanced security. Therefore, tomorrow, most facilities will reopen with additional security enhancement, including the presence of law enforcement or security personnel on site.
U.S.D.A. Director of Communications Matt Herrick said more time is needed for the remaining offices to get additional security enhancements in place for a secure opening or to make official notifications to union representatives.
The following USDA facilities will reopen at normal time on Wednesday, August 31:
Ft. Collins, Colorado
All USDA Offices (except Forest Service)
ARS Plains Area Office
Beltsville, Maryland
George Washington Carver Center
Beltsville Agricultural Research Center
National Agricultural Library
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Northeast Area Office
Raleigh, North Carolina
All USDA Offices
West Virginia
Kearneysville
The following USDA facilities will reopen at noon (local time) on Wednesday, August 31:
Ft. Collins, Colorado
Forest Service Office
The following USDA facilities will remain closed on Wednesday, August 31:
Hamden, Connecticut
Forest Service Office
Natural Resources Conservation Service Office
West Virginia
Leetown
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