A K-9 sweep at a federal office building in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, triggered a major security response Monday after authorities discovered what they believe was an explosive device inside a UPS drop box. The incident led to the evacuation of multiple buildings in the 900 block of Keynote Circle and brought federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to the scene.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the discovery occurred during a routine Federal Protective Service security sweep of a publicly accessible lobby at an ICE office building located at 925 Keynote Circle. During the inspection, an FPS K-9 alerted officers to a suspicious package that had been placed inside a UPS drop box.
Federal officials immediately treated the situation as a potential threat. The building was evacuated as a precaution while specialized law enforcement units responded. The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local police departments coordinated with FPS personnel to secure the area and assess the device.
Brooklyn Hts ~ Bomb Squad Requested - Keynote Circle - ~2:00~ bomb squad requested to an office complex after a k9 alerted to a live explosive at the homeland security office here,multiple buildings evacuated -NR
— NE Ohio Scanner (@NEO_Scan) June 15, 2026
A DHS spokesperson confirmed that authorities acted quickly after the alert.
“On June 15, 2026, Federal Protective Service was conducting a sweep of a publicly accessible lobby at a ICE office building in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio. During the sweep, a K-9 alerted to a suspicious package in a UPS drop box,” the spokesperson said.
The statement added that FPS immediately contacted local law enforcement and initiated a full evacuation of the facility. After investigators completed their work, officials declared the area safe and authorized occupants to return to the building.
ATF personnel are responding to a hazardous device incident at 925 Keynote Circle in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio. The FBI has assumed lead investigative responsibility for this event. Any information regarding the device or the ongoing investigation will be released by the FBI as it… pic.twitter.com/lRZmgnNzv0
— ATF Columbus (@ATFColumbus) June 15, 2026
While authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the device, the ATF described the event as a “hazardous device incident,” indicating investigators considered the threat serious enough to require specialized response teams. Details regarding whether the device was functional, how it was constructed, or whether it was intended to detonate have not yet been released.
The FBI has assumed lead responsibility for the investigation. In a statement issued through the ATF Columbus Field Division, officials confirmed that all future information regarding the device and the ongoing inquiry will come from the FBI’s Cleveland office.
As investigators work to determine who placed the device and what motive may have been involved, no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities have also not announced whether surveillance footage or forensic evidence has produced any immediate leads.