Armed man prompts Dirksen Federal Building lockdown in downtown Chicago
The Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago is under lockdown Tuesday.
The building was placed on lockdown shortly after 11 a.m., the FBI confirmed. The U.S. Marshals said a man armed with a knife tried to get past security in the building, but was stopped before he could.
No civilians were in the lobby at the time of the incident. In the hours since, the man has been speaking with law enforcement negotiators.
Everyone in the courthouse was placed on lockdown and told to stay away rom the lobby. As of 3:30 p.m., law enforcement were still on the scene and the lockdown was at least partially still in place.
A person who had reported to Dirksen for jury duty spoke with CBS News Chicago shortly before 3:30 p.m. and said he and about 40 other prospective jurors were allowed to leave.
There is a large FBI, SWAT and Chicago police presence at the scene, as well as agents from the Department of Homeland Security and unmarked police vehicles. A spokesperson for the courts and the building said the incident is confined to the lobby.
Law enforcement have blocked off streets around the courthouse, including Dearborn between Jackson and Adams. Along with vehicle traffic, they are also restricting pedestrians from walking near the building.
The Dirksen, 219 S. Dearborn St., houses U.S. District and bankruptcy courts.
