Asheville federal building evacuated due to bomb hoax, suspect arrested ***UPDATED­***

The federal building in downtown Asheville was evacuated around noon today, June 21, due to a suspicious package with a “cryptic note” directed at federal law enforcement agencies. Asheville Police Department officers disrupted the package with high-powered water and a blank round. The APD has arrested Ernest McDonald, 66, in connection to the hoax.

Lt. Wally Welch talks to press outside the federal building. Photo by Jonathan Welch