Police in the northern Vermont city of Newport say a state office building has now reopened after it was put under lockdown for over an hour.
Earlier, they said an "active threat" prompted a lockdown at the building on Main Street, which began at about 9 a.m. Friday. People were told to stay away, but said people already inside could resume normal business.
The Emory Hebard State Office Building on Main Street houses offices of the state Departments of Children and Families, Motor Vehicles, Labor, and businesses such as the Community National Bank and a bridal shop.
The incident unfolded as legislators in Montpelier were considering a bill to enhance penalties for threats and assaults against some public employees, particularly those at the state Department for Children and Families.
That follows last August’s fatal shooting of a state social worker in Barre.
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