Tempe City Council will meet remotely after threat led to evacuation

A Tempe City Council meeting was canceled last week due to what police called a credible threat made on social media against those attending.

Council business will now be conducted online.

Tempe police say they had to escort about 75 people out of the Council Chambers.

Nearly 20 people had been signed up to speak at the meeting on a range of topics, including a hotly contested parks ordinance requiring a permit for groups of 30 or more to meet at a public park.

It is not clear what the threats were or who specifically they were against.

Tempe Assistant Police Chief James Sweig said there was an ongoing investigation at Tuesday night’s virtual council meeting.

“We are also conducting a review of security procedures at Tempe City Hall and Council Chambers. Until that review is complete and we are confident in the safety of these spaces, we are recommending that City Council meetings be held virtually,” Sweig said.

There is not a clear timeline for when that review will be finished, though a calendar currently lists meetings later this month as being in person.

“There is no meeting or event that outweighs the safety of our community in today's charged environment. Vigilance and precaution are essential,” Sweig said.

The department has not released details about the threats, citing an ongoing investigation.