Official: Phoned-in threat said bomb was in chambers of judge overseeing Murdaugh trial

A bomb threat that caused the Colleton County Courthouse to be evacuated Wednesday was phoned in as a threat toward Judge Clifton Newman, the judge presiding over Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder trial, according to a top county administration official.

The official, given anonymity so they could speak freely, said the threat was phoned in to the county clerk of court’s office general session’s line. The threat specifically said a bomb was in Newman’s chambers, a highly secure area on the courthouse’s second floor, the official said. The threat was phoned in by a man speaking in a low voice, the official added.

The courthouse was evacuated just as Brian Hudak, a computer forensics specialist with the State Law Enforcement Division and the state’s 38th witness, took the witness stand just before 1 p.m. Wednesday. Newman brought the proceedings to a halt, then first dismissed the jury.

He then informed the crowd of attorneys, Murdaugh, press and onlookers, including a college journalism class, that they needed to exit the 234-seat courtroom.

Murdaugh and the jury were taken away from the courthouse.

Minutes later, SLED issued an official statement, confirming courthouse personnel received a bomb threat.

“The building has been evacuated and SLED along with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the threat. No additional information is available from SLED at this time,” the rest of SLED’s statement said.

Colleton Count Clerk of Court Becky Hill said Wednesday they hope to resume proceedings by Wednesday afternoon. Around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, the court started readmitting the public.

Outside the courtroom, court security and Colleton County sheriff’s deputies established a perimeter around the block occupied by the courthouse. More law enforcement were seen arriving, along with fire and rescue, while reporters filmed from the sidewalks.

Others flocked to the food trucks that have been parked across the street from the courthouse. Part of the prosecution team was seen eating their lunch at a picnic table, on the sunny, 74-degree Walterboro day, as sirens could be heard in the background.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.