Security Tightened At Boise Federal Building Day After Bomb Threat, Parking, Access Restricted

Parking in front of the federal building in Boise was banned Thursday as part of tightened security following the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City.

The building was vacated Wednesday by a telephoned bomb threat. Nothing was found but when federal workers went back to work on Thursday they were told at a meeting that they can expect tighter security.

Federal officers roped off areas usually used for short-term parking in front of the building. Access was restricted to a single entrance and workers had to surrender magnetic cards used to open doors.

Jim Benham, U.S. Marshal for Idaho, said the changes were intended to reassure workers in the building “that everything is OK.”

Chief Deputy Marshal Bob Oliverio said two outside security guards watched the building’s perimeter Thursday.

“We’ve closed at least on the temporary basis all but one entry to the building,” he said.

Workers were told at the security meeting to expect more restrictions, at least in the short term.