LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A false report of an active shooter at Louisville's Hall of Justice on Friday morning was apparently an "inadvertent" test, according to state court officials.
Employees of the courthouse downtown were sent alerts about an active shooter about 9 a.m. Friday. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office quickly advised there was no emergency.
A Jefferson Circuit Court administrator sent an email to court officials that said "we reached out to AOC (the state Administrative Office of the Courts) and they advised they believe it is a hack, the notice went out statewide," according to the email obtained by WDRB News.
An email sent out two hours later from Katie C. Comstock, the director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, said the emergency telephone alert system was "inadvertently activated." The email said it was not a planned test.
Comstock said that her office would continue to investigate the incident.
"We are working internally and with our telecommunication providers to determine the source of the alert," she wrote. "I extend my sincere apology to all our elected officials and employees for any inconvenience, confusion or duress the incident caused."
The email thanked law enforcement and first responders that responded to various facilities "swiftly and efficiently" around the state.
Comstock also advised anyone who needed additional support after the alert to contact the Kentucky Employee Assistance Program or KEAP. The free, confidential service helps government employees find resources for their concerns.
The Elizabethtown Police Department said it responded to the active shooter alert at the Hardin County Justice Center. It took 10 minutes for responding officers to be told it was a false alarm.
The Frankfort Police Department said it responded to the alert at the Administrative Office of the Courts on Vandalay Drive. The AOC is actually responsible for the "inadvertent" alert that went out.
This story may be updated.
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