'Suspicious Item' Found Near Trash At MSP Airport, FBI Responds

In the early morning of July 19, the FBI’s Minneapolis Division was contacted by local law enforcement alerting to the presence of a "suspicious item" discovered at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).

Minneapolis Airport and Bloomington Police Departments were notified of a suspicious item left near a trash can in MSP Terminal 2. Those Departments made an initial assessment that there was no immediate threat to the public and contacted the FBI’s Minneapolis Division.

Two agents assigned to the airport responded to the scene. Based on their initial investigation, FBI-Minneapolis does not believe this is a terrorism-related event at this time. The terminal was re-opened to regular traffic shortly thereafter.

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“We do not believe that any members of the public were in any immediate danger and have not found any evidence of terrorism at this time,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Thornton of the Minneapolis Division in a statement.

“We are grateful for the immediate response of the Minneapolis Airport Police and Bloomington Police Departments and their quick decision to include the FBI in this investigation. This incident demonstrates the valuable collaboration between the FBI and our local partners.”

Thornton added that, “the FBI continues to aggressively investigate any suspicious activity involving suspected terrorism. Even though this incident wasn’t terrorism related, we encourage the public to contact the FBI if they see suspicious activity.”

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