Local law enforcement reported that the California Capitol was evacuated on Friday morning due to an email threat that raised security concerns. The California Highway Patrol made an announcement on the social platform X, stating, “On December 6, 2024, an email threat was received at the State Capitol,” prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of those present.
In accordance with Joint Rules, officers from the California Highway Patrol conducted a temporary evacuation of both the Capitol and the Swing Space while performing a thorough search for any potential dangers. During this time, lawmakers were instructed to leave the premises and complete their work remotely for the remainder of the day.
Earlier that week, elected officials had gathered in Sacramento for a special session aimed at addressing measures to protect the state against proposed policies from President-elect Trump. However, by Friday morning, many legislators had already returned to their home districts, reducing the number of individuals present at the Capitol.
Governor Gavin Newsom was not affected by the threat, as he was participating in a Democratic Governors Association meeting in Los Angeles, allowing him to focus on state matters without interruption amid the security incident.