ISP investigation into bomb threat to two state buildings leads to arrest | Top stories

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – One person has been arrested following an Illinois State Police investigation into a bomb threat to two state facilities in Springfield last month.

Gabrielle Williams, 23, was taken into custody Thursday.

On April 22, 2024, the Illinois Department of Human Services received a call from someone saying that a bomb had been planted at a public assistance office building and at the Illinois State Capitol.​

The threat was forwarded to the ISP Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center, which implemented the State Agency Facility and Employee (SAFE) Threat Protocol.​

The State Department’s Capitol Police and its Hazardous Devices Unit cleared the Capitol grounds, while ISP and the Springfield Police Department secured the other government facility until the SOS Hazardous Devices Unit could clear the building.​

The SAFE Threat Protocol also triggered an investigation by ISP special agents.​

Using cell phone information and conducting interviews, ISP special agents were able to identify and locate the suspect.

“ISP took immediate action upon receiving information about this bomb threat and implemented our SAFE Threat Protocol,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “By deploying ISP resources as quickly as possible, our special agents can uncover critical information, identify suspects and make arrests.​ ISP and our law enforcement partners in Springfield take every threat seriously and will locate and arrest those responsible for this criminal behavior.”

The SAFE Threat Protocol has three main goals:

• Collect, assess and share threat intelligence
• Investigate threats against public officials, offices and leaders
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the reported material and results

“I want to thank our Secretary of State Police, the Illinois State Police and the Springfield Police for cooperating with this investigation and making an arrest,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.​ “We take the security of the Capitol Complex and the security of its employees, officers and visitors extremely seriously. We will never tolerate threats of violence and will do everything in our power to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

Williams is being held in the Sangamon County Jail pending a detention hearing.​

A Clear and Present Hazard Report has been submitted to the ISP Office of Firearm Safety. A Clear and Present Hazard Report is filed when a person poses a danger to themselves or others. When the ISP confirms a clear and present hazard finding and a person has a permit for the possession of firearms or has applied for one, this will be revoked or rejected.​ ​

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