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Court briefly shelter‑in‑place after suspicious vehicle; public speakers challenge restricted access
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Summary
A suspicious vehicle near the records building prompted a temporary shelter‑in‑place and extra security while the county bomb squad investigated. Several public commenters later said members of the public were wrongly denied entry during the incident and demanded clearer access policies.
Dallas County’s Commissioners Court enacted a temporary shelter‑in‑place during its April 7 meeting after law‑enforcement reported a suspicious vehicle near the records building and summoned EOD/bomb‑squad units.
The presiding judge instructed that non‑badge-holders be wand‑screened and asked the public not to enter adjacent buildings until safety checks were complete. Officials emphasized that the order was a short‑term, precautionary measure and told attendees that county employees with badges could remain while other nearby buildings were evacuated.
Afterward several public speakers criticized what they said were inconsistent access rules: some members of the public were reportedly denied entry while county employees were admitted without screening. Michael Wigginton and other commenters called the exclusion “unlawful” and said the court continued its public meeting while barring public access; a speaker representing a community member said the public was told they could not return to the meeting room.
The presiding judge later announced the shelter‑in‑place for the Records Building and a brief closed session to address posted items. A county official later announced the shelter‑in‑place had been lifted for the Records Building in George Allen.
Court staff said the safety posture was driven by law‑enforcement advice and that the shelter‑in‑place would be brief. The court recessed for a closed session and returned to open session to take business on the posted agenda.
