EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — News 5 received a tip from a viewer about concerns over a firearm being brought to the El Paso County Courthouse Wednesday.
After reaching out to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, they confirmed with us indeed a weapon did make it through security Wednesday morning.
This morning, March 13, 2024, at the El Paso Combined Courthouse, a handgun in a bag was identified during screening by Sheriff’s Office County Security personnel. A different bag was flagged as containing the handgun, while the actual bag was taken out of the screening area by the owner. When the error was identified, a search of the building was conducted. Within a matter of minutes the owner and bag were found.
The owner of the bag had official business at the courthouse and there was no indication of an intended threat. The bag owner was served a summons to appear by the Colorado Springs Police Department.
It is unclear at this time when the owner of that firearm will appear in court.
I have reached out to the Colorado Judicial Branch to see if any trials or hearings were impacted by this incident and am awaiting a response.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, the County Security Section is responsible for the security of the courthouse including 13 other county buildings and 8000 sq miles of parks and trails. The County Security Section is made up of one lieutenant, three sergeants, and 38 non-sworn security officers.
Editors Note: This article originally stated the Court Unit was a part of ensuring courthouse security, this was incorrect, the Court Unit is solely responsible for the security of incarcerated citizens moving around and appearing in a courtroom according to the sheriff's office.
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