Crime

Suspected Military Explosive Prompts Kent City Hall Evacuation, Device Safely Removed

Joy Ale
February 24, 2026
Picture Credit: KOMO News
Picture Credit: KOMO News

Kent City Hall and surrounding government buildings were evacuated Monday afternoon after someone brought a suspected military-grade undetonated explosive to the campus.

The Kent Police Department announced the incident at 1:36 p.m. and immediately closed all buildings at 220 4th Ave. S., including City Hall, the Centennial Building, and the police station. Streets around the campus were also closed as emergency responders secured the area.

Within hours, police announced the device had been safely removed from the site. The agency did not release details about the nature of the device or how it arrived at City Hall.

City Hall and the Centennial Center remained closed for the rest of the day. The police station lobby reopened for business after the device was cleared.

JA

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