ACT courthouse reopens after false bomb threat in central Canberra

An area of Canberra has been cordoned off after an alleged bomb threat was reported near the courthouse - with bomb squad officers called in.

The ACT courthouse has been reopened after a false bomb threat sparked a mass evacuation, with police still investigating.

The court complex houses the Supreme Court, the ACT Magistrates Court and the Federal Circuit and Family Court.

Police cordoned off at least one street as officers searched the site. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Overlooking City Hill, it is located in the heart of Canberra’s CBD and about 3.5km from Parliament House.

An ACT Police spokesperson told NewsWire the AFP Bomb Response Team and AFP Canine had searched the area and not found any “suspicious items”.

The AFP Bomb Response Team and AFP Canine did not find any ‘suspicious items’, according to ACT Policing. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

“The Law Courts were evacuated as a precaution while the buildings were searched,” the spokesperson said.

“No suspicious items were located, and the Courts were reopened at about 12.30pm.”

Police are investigating after a false bomb threat sparked the evacuation of the ACT courthouse. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

At least one street was cordoned off as officers searched the site and members of the public were urged to avoid the area.

Knowles Place Canberra City currently closed. Emergency Services in attendance, please avoid the area.

— ACTPol_Traffic (@ACTPol_Traffic) January 31, 2025

Originally published as ACT courthouse reopens after false bomb threat in central Canberra