Bomb threat prompts evacuation at Colleton County courthouse during Alex Murdaugh murder trial
By The Citizen on February 8, 2023
WALTERBORO, S.C. (WCBD) – The Colleton County Courthouse was evacuated Wednesday afternoon due to a “credible threat” that was later determined to be a bomb threat.
News 2’s Riley Benson was inside the courtroom when Judge Clifton Newman received word about the potential threat. Benson said he started to hear chatter coming from the bailiffs’ walkie-talkie.
He said a law enforcement official then entered the courtroom and whispered something to Judge Newman. The judge then sent the jury into recess and the entire building immediately began to evacuate. News media was told to move away from the building.
Officials with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division later said a bomb threat was received by Colleton County courthouse personnel.
“The building has been evacuated and SLED along with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the threat,” officials said.
Judge Clifton Newman receives news before an evacuation sends Alex Murdaugh’s trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse into recess on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Joshua Boucher/The State/Pool
An evacuation sends Alex Murdaugh’s trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse into recess on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Joshua Boucher/The State/Pool
Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian speaks with attorney Jay Bender, who is representing media, as an evacuation sends Alex Murdaugh’s trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse into recess on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Joshua Boucher/The State/Pool
An evacuation sends Alex Murdaugh’s trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse into recess on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Joshua Boucher/The State/Pool
This is a developing story… keep checking counton2.com for updates.
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