Legislative session disrupted by ‘credible threat’ made at California Capitol

The state Legislature in Sacramento was disrupted Thursday after the California Highway Patrol warned of a “credible” threat to the Capitol building.

The threat is related to prior shooting incidents in the cities of Roseville and Citrus Heights, which did not result in injuries but led to a lockdown at a Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Roseville Wednesday night after shots were fired at the building, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Police were still searching for the suspect in those cases as of Thursday afternoon, and that suspect has also made threats related to the Capitol, according to a statement released by the California Highway Patrol’s Capitol Protection Section, which provides security to state lawmakers.

“The CHP’s Capitol Protection Section is currently working closely with the Legislature, as well as our public safety partners, to ensure the safety of the public and the State Capitol,” the statement said.

Officers are asking the public for help to identify two vehicles associated with the suspect: a 2002 tan Ford F-150 (California license plate 6V04299) and 1996 white Acura Integra (California license plate 6FWU532).

A state Senate floor session was delayed and moved to another building on Thursday, and legislative staffers who had not yet reported to work were asked to remain home or work remotely.

Those who were already in the Capitol were asked to “remain in place” until more information was provided, according to a memo sent to lawmakers and staff by Secretary of the Senate Erika Contreras.

“The CHP and security partners are present in higher numbers in the Capitol area, and are alert of the situation,” the memo stated.

A similar warning was later sent to the Assembly by its Committee on Rules, asking lawmakers and staff to remain “situationally aware.”

The Capitol building is temporarily closed.