Suspicious package prompts evacuation at Philadelphia City Hall, no device found, police say

No device was found inside a suspicious package that prompted an evacuation at Philadelphia City Hall on Thursday, police said. 

Authorities said a police K-9 detected a suspicious package inside City Hall.

Vincent Thompson, communications director for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, said between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., a suspicious package was found inside the council caucus chamber. He said Johnson is safe.

Philadelphia police investigated the package and determined it did not contain a device. No injuries have been reported, and a spokesperson said the mayor is OK.

The caucus chamber is a room councilmembers use to meet before going into session.

Councilmember Mark Squilla, who was inside council chambers when Johnson announced that everyone would need to evacuate, said people took the threat seriously and calmly evacuated.

"In today's society, when you hear things like this, you have to take all precautions, and safety is paramount, making sure that all the people in the building get out as safe as possible before anything can happen," Squilla said.

Squilla said councilmembers will resume their session when they are cleared to return to the building.

This is a developing story and will be updated.