Utah Capitol building evacuated after rifle found in box, suspect captured

Police evacuated the state Captiol building in Salt Lake City after a man left an unloaded semi-automatic rifle inside a cardboard box with a wreath.

Todd Royce said Friday that Crimefighter, shown on security camera footage kneeling and placing the white, 5-foot coffin-shaped package in the center of the Rotunda at 3:24 p.m. Thursday, contacted investigators late Thursday night after seeing his image broadcast on television news and social media.

Hopper says the man was in his mid-20s and wearing a suit.

Hopper said Utah Highway Patrol troopers, who provide security for the Capitol, did not reach the man before he left.

A bomb squad found an unloaded rifle inside the box.

The newspaper noted that the suspicious package, which also contained a note, was left just minutes after a judge ordered the state of Utah to continue funding Planned Parenthood.

A motorcyclist died after hitting a vehicle during heavy traffic Friday evening on I-15, police said.

Bomb technicians determined the package was “nonexplosive” by about 6 p.m.

Citing the ongoing investigation, he declined to disclose what the note said or whether officials consider it a threat. Royce said Friday that investigators are following up on leads and reviewing evidence before evaluating whether Crimefighter broke any laws or will face charges. Police are looking at whether Crimefight has a concealed weapons permit, or if the package fits the legal definition of a concealed weapon.

The man’s identity has not been released, pending notification of his family.

Crimefighter legally changed his last name from Crebar in Oregon along with his wife and a child in 2009, according to state court records.