ISP investigation into bomb threats to two state buildings leads to arrest

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Following an extensive investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP) into a bomb threat at two state facilities in Springfield last month, 23-year-old Gabrielle Williams was taken into custody on May 9, 2024.

On April 22, 2024, the Illinois Department of Human Services received a call from an individual reporting that a bomb had been planted in a public assistance office building and the Illinois State Capitol. This threat was reported to the ISP Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center, which implemented the State Agency Facility and Employee (SAFE) Threat Protocol.​ The Secretary of State’s Capitol Police (SOS) and its Hazardous Devices Task Force quickly cleared the Capitol grounds, while ISP and the Springfield Police Department conducted the other State facility secured until the Hazardous Devices Task Force 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 in this investigation and making an arrest,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.​ “We are taking the security of the Capitol Complex and security Its employees, officers and visitors are extremely serious.​ 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.​ ​

ISP thanks the various local, state and federal law enforcement partners, including the US Marshals Service, who assisted in the investigation and arrest of Williams.