Suspicious package at federal building in Hamilton deemed safe

A suspicious backpack that prompted the evacuation of a federal building in Hamilton has been deemed safe.

Hamilton police responded to reports of a “suspicious package” at 55 Bay St. North just after 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Police say employees at the building self-evacuated after the bag was found.

There was a large police presence in the area and surrounding sidewalks were taped off for the investigation.

We are outside 55 Bay St across from First Ontario Centre where police are investigating a suspicious package. Employees in the federal building self-evacuated. There appears to be a blue backpack on the ledge of the building @CHCHNews pic.twitter.com/0uvrwiLYdw

— Nicole Martin (@nicolemartintv) May 7, 2019

Shortly before 1 p.m., police discovered a piece of cardboard with “homeless and hungry, thank you” written on it inside the bag.

The backpack was deemed safe and police reopened the area.

Scene is clearing now. Cardboard sign found in backpack said “homeless and hungry thank you”. pic.twitter.com/6wac8Ubxdr

— Nicole Martin (@nicolemartintv) May 7, 2019