Armed Man Prompts Evacuation of Federal Courthouse in Chicago

The Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago was evacuated and placed under lockdown on Tuesday following an incident involving a man armed with a knife. The situation began shortly before 11 a.m. when the individual entered the lobby at 219 S. Dearborn Street and was intercepted by security personnel. According to sources, the man reportedly requested to speak with the FBI and threatened self-harm.

Law enforcement responded with a coordinated effort that included FBI negotiators, Chicago police, and Department of Homeland Security officers. Authorities blocked traffic on surrounding streets including Dearborn Street, Jackson Boulevard, and Adams and Clark. Security personnel initially cleared the lobby while maintaining operations on upper floors, but by 2:30 p.m., officials began a full building evacuation.

The Dirksen Courthouse houses several federal judicial entities including the U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and 7th Circuit Appeals Court. Court officials issued a statement indicating the incident involved a single individual and that the public was not in danger. Access restrictions were also implemented at adjacent federal facilities, including the Kluczynski Federal Building, as a precautionary measure.

As of 4:45 p.m., negotiations with the man continued as he remained in the courthouse lobby. Witnesses observed the individual wearing a backpack and occasionally holding what appeared to be a knife to his throat. Law enforcement officers in tactical gear maintained positions outside the front entrance while negotiators worked to resolve the situation. The courthouse serves as a central location for federal legal proceedings in Chicago.