In-person Tempe City Council meetings resume with beefed up security

PHOENIX — Tempe City Council meetings will resume in-person next week with increased security at City Hall, officials said.

On Aug. 28, the Tempe Police Department had to evacuate 75 people out of a city council meeting following a threatening social media post. The next two meetings were held virtually out of caution and the department reviewed meeting safety protocols.

The in-person gatherings will start up again next Thursday, Sept. 18, but livestreams of the meetings will continue to be offered, according to a city press release.

“The safety of our community and city leadership is our top priority,” Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said in the release. “After a comprehensive review, I am confident that we can resume in-person council meetings securely and without hesitation.”

What has changed so in-person Tempe City Council meetings can return?

Although security was already in place at City Hall, police have added additional safeguards, including:

• Reminders for staff to follow existing safety protocols
• Increased police presence and patrols at City Hall
• Not allowing parking in front of City Hall on meeting days.

Other added measures were not shared for safety reasons.

The Tempe Police Threat Mitigation Unit is investigating the social media threat.

“As someone who has served in public safety for more than 30 years, I can assure our community that we take every threat seriously,” McCoy said. “We will pursue those responsible and hold them accountable, while continuing to provide a safe environment for civic participation.”

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