UPDATE 9:35 P.M.:
in a press release posted on the Hill County Sheriff's Office Facebook page:
On July 15, 2025 at 4:32 pm, the Hill County Sheriff's Office received a report of a suspicious package on the grounds of the Hill County Courthouse — Upon receiving the report, Deputies were able to locate the suspicious package soon after.
After locating the suspicious package and with the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Hill County Courthouse was evacuated.
An on scene preliminary investigation led to the request for assistance from the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad Unit. McLennan County personnel responded and were able to view and remove the suspicious package without incident. No injuries were reported during or after the occurrence and there is no known ongoing threat or danger to the public as a result.
However, an investigation of the circumstances surrounding this incident continues. Hill County Sheriff Hunter Barnes wishes to extend his thanks to the McLennan County Sheriff's Office, City of Hillsboro Department of Public Safety, and Hill County Constable Precinct 3 for their response and assistance with this incident.
UPDATE 6:10 P.M.:
The Hill County Sheriff's Office gave an all clear on the courthouse security incident.
The sheriff's office said police units are clearing the area shortly and that there is no danger or threat to the public as a result of this incident.
ORIGINAL:
The Hill County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook that there was a heavy police presence around the courthouse square in downtown before 5 p.m. Tuesday.
"The courthouse itself is closed for the day and an investigation is ongoing," the post read.
The sheriff's office asked the public to avoid the area and that the situation itself is contained and there is no known ongoing threat to the public.
This is a developing story and will update as more information is available.
