Tempe Police reopen Fifth Street after bomb threat investigation

PHOENIX — Fifth Street in Tempe reopened Monday following a brief shutdown due to a bomb threat investigation, according to the Tempe Police Department.

Police said a man entered the lobby of the Tempe Police Department’s headquarters, claiming he had an explosive device in his backpack.

Authorities closed the area between Mill and Forest avenues and evacuated staff at both the Tempe Police headquarters and the Tempe City Courts.

Tempe Police have an active investigation that has shut down a portion of 5th Street between Mill and Forest Avenues.
Please avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/IAg3ro4Tgf

— Tempe Police Department (@TempePolice) September 16, 2025

Entrances to Tempe City Hall, Tempe Municipal Court, Mission Palms Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott were all restricted due to the road closure.

The roadway was reopened around 11 a.m.

The city of Tempe has asked that people avoid the area while the investigation takes place.

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