Bomb Threat Reported Outside GOP Headquarters Fizzles

HUDSON, WI — Authorities in Hudson have reopened part of Downtown Hudson after a suspicious package found outside the local Republican Party campaign office was later determined to be "safe."

Police say the package was a military-style ammunition container with several obstructions and wires protruding from the container. Police said technicians were able to determine the container was full of miscellaneous materials and never presented a threat to public safety.

The Hudson Police Department was assisted by the WI State patrol, Hudson Fire, Hudson Public Works, St. Croix County Sheriff, Marathon-Oneida Explosives Unit, ATF, and FBI.

Bomb Scare Reported

Just before 9 a.m. Tuesday, officers were sent to the GOP campaign office on a report of a suspicious package.

Local police said the suspicious package had been identified as a potential threat, and set up a safety perimeter at the River City Center on Second Street.

According to a Saint Paul Pioneer Press report, the package was made out of an old military-grade ammunition can.

"We are asking the public to avoid the area as this is having an impact on downtown City of Hudson traffic and businesses. This is an ongoing investigation and we will provide updates as we are able," Hudson police said in a statement earlier Tuesday.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin put a call out, asking anyone who may know what happened to contact the authorities, according to Andrew Hitt, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.