At approximately 10:40 a.m. today, an employee of an oil and gas company located in the 10th floor of the Bank of America building at 110 North College in downtown Tyler received a phone call from an unknown person stating that explosive devices had been placed in the building. The company immediately called authorities, and all occupants of the building evacuated before being ordered to do so.
Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley said the Tyler Fire Department is working with Tyler police and officials from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which has offices in the building, to conduct a complete search of the building. As of 11:45 a.m., no devices had been found.
The Bank of America building holds various offices for local companies, plus federal agenices such as the U.S. Attorney's office and the U.S. Marshal Service, along with ATF. Findley said when the person who made the call is found, he or she could face charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, state or federal.
At 11:36 a.m., officials gave the all-clear for occupants to return to the building. Findley said the investigation is ongoing with multiple agencies involved.