An "All Clear" has been given by authorities and the area has been deemed safe after a suspicious package was discovered on the steps of the federal courthouse on 12th Street at around 7 a.m. this morning.

Police had cordoned off a large area of 12th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue, closing local businesses until the area was deemed safe. 

First to report on the frightening scene is believed to have been Colin Scroggins of CNAW News; an independent journalist covering local crime who has become a well-loved staple of Columbus news. Colin’s reporting has become legendary in recent times, with a Facebook following larger than that of both the Ledger-Enquirer and WRBL.

According to images and reporting posted by Scroggins, The package was left on the steps of the U.S. Federal Courthouse in what appeared to be a Walmart delivery bag.

Businesses across the street from the courthouse on 12th Street were reportedly closed during the incident. The courthouse itself remained closed during the frightening incident, as did the U.S. Post Office located inside the federal building. 

WRBL also reported on the incident, releasing a statement made by the United States Federal Court's Middle District of Georgia:

"A suspicious package was found in front of the Columbus courthouse this morning. At the time I received this information, the bomb squad was already en route. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available."

The area has since been deemed safe by authorities and the suspicious package was safely removed.