A man was taken into custody following a threatening phone call directed towards City of Burlington employees and officials, prompting the evacuation of city hall by law enforcement on Wednesday. The incident unfolded around 1 p.m. when the individual phoned the city offices and made threats against the staff. Police swiftly responded and implemented a ‘hold and secure’ procedure, maintaining normal operations inside the building while securing the exterior doors.
Initially mistaking the situation for a drill, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and her team soon realized the seriousness of the threat. Subsequently, the police ordered a complete evacuation of the premises to ensure safety. The investigation swiftly led to the arrest of a 37-year-old Burlington resident on charges of making death threats. The individual is currently in custody in Milton awaiting a bail hearing.
Reflecting on the incident, Mayor Meed Ward expressed the shock and unease felt by everyone involved. She emphasized the need to restore normalcy while acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the threat. The event underscored the importance of a recent campaign launched by the Mayor, named Elect Respect, which aims to address the escalating toxicity directed at elected officials and public servants. The initiative calls on elected representatives and the general public to pledge to treat each other with respect in all settings, both in-person and online, and to denounce harassment, abuse, and personal attacks.
The Elect Respect campaign has garnered support from nearly 200 elected officials nationwide, along with close to 500 citizens, leading to the adoption of the resolution by more than 40 municipalities. Mayor Meed Ward highlighted the need for civility and respect in interactions, citing a perceived rise in incivility and threats faced by public-facing individuals.