Tempe City Council canceled after threat, rescheduled

PHOENIX — A rare safety threat abruptly canceled Tempe’s city council meeting last Thursday. The meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

This time, it won’t be held in person. Both Tuesday’s meeting and Thursday’s upcoming work study session will take place virtually.

The shift to a digital format was requested by James Sweig, assistant chief of the Tempe Police Department.

Police are investigating the threat and evaluating security plans for Tempe Council Chambers, according to a recent announcement from the city.

The 19 people who had signed up to speak on issues that were on the original meeting’s agenda don’t have to fill out an online comment card if they filled submitted one previously.

However, those who signed up to speak in person should fill out an online card before 2 p.m. to ensure they can have their voice heard at the Thursday meeting.

Police statement on threat that postponed Tempe city council meeting

Details about the threat have not been made available, but it was serious enough for law enforcement to shut down the meeting before it started and escort around 75 people out of the building.

“The concern was specific in nature and credible enough that we could not in good conscience proceed with the meeting,” Sweig said in the announcement. “Out of respect for the investigation, we will not release all details, but the decision was made with community safety in mind.”

Officials said new safety measures may be introduced before in-person meetings resume.

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