In a concerning turn of events, the Lancaster City and Lancaster County law enforcement agencies were alerted to a suspicious package inside the Lancaster Public Library on Saturday. The Lancaster City K-9 unit and the Lancaster County Sheriff's K-9 unit both detected something amiss during a routine sweep, prompting the involvement of the Pennsylvania State Police bomb squad.

To ensure public safety, the authorities swiftly took action, closing off the 100 block of North Queen Street and notifying businesses in the vicinity of the library. Following an extensive investigation by the state police bomb squad, it was determined that the items inside the package were not dangerous.

However, the situation took a more serious turn when the police received additional bomb threats via email. The threats claimed that explosive devices had been planted in the 100 block of North Lime and 100 block of North Queen in Lancaster City. In response, an evacuation notice was ordered, and the Lancaster City police took immediate measures to secure the affected areas.

Chief Richard Mendez expressed his strong disdain for such disruptions, stating, "Not only do bomb threats disrupt the peace and safety of our community, they waste valuable public resources. These threats trigger costly responses and stretch our resources thin, leaving our community vulnerable to genuine emergencies." He further assured the public that bomb threats would not be tolerated, and that the authorities were actively working towards identifying and prosecuting those responsible.

In light of these events, anyone with information related to these incidents is urged to contact the Lancaster City police at 717-735-3300. Cooperation from the community will greatly assist the ongoing investigation and contribute to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential threats. Local authorities continue to work diligently to maintain the peace and safety of the Lancaster City community, while emphasizing the need to refrain from engaging in such harmful behavior.