A man was taken into custody following a threatening phone call made against City of Burlington personnel and elected officials on Wednesday, prompting the evacuation of city hall by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 1 p.m. when an individual phoned the city office and made threats of harm towards employees. Police swiftly arrived on the scene and implemented a ‘hold and secure’ procedure, securing the exterior doors while allowing normal operations inside the building.
Initially, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and her team mistook the situation for a routine drill during a meeting. However, they soon realized the seriousness of the threat. Consequently, the police ordered a complete evacuation of the premises to ensure safety. Mayor Meed Ward expressed the shock and unease felt by everyone present, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the situation.
After a few hours of investigation, a 37-year-old man from Burlington was apprehended and charged with uttering death threats. He is currently held in custody in Milton pending a bail hearing. Mayor Meed Ward highlighted the need for normalcy in such situations but acknowledged the profound impact the incident had on all involved.
In response to the incident, Mayor Meed Ward launched the Elect Respect campaign aimed at combatting the increasing hostility directed towards elected officials and public servants. The initiative calls for a commitment to treating individuals with respect in all settings, condemning harassment, abuse, and personal attacks, and advocating for civility. The campaign has garnered support from nearly 200 elected officials nationwide and close to 500 citizens, with over 40 municipalities endorsing the resolution.
Mayor Meed Ward stressed the importance of promoting civility and respect, citing a rising concern for the safety and well-being of those in public-facing roles.