FINAL UPDATE: 12/21/2023
While the events on Dec. 20 remain incredibly frightening for those involved, it has been determined this was a false alarm. Contrary to media reports, this was not a software malfunction, but an inadvertent triggering of the Alertus button. We continue to applaud our employees at 40 Coxe for their response to this event. To receive emergency alerts, text “BCAlert” to 99411 or go to buncombecounty.org/codered.
UPDATED:
An emergency alert was triggered this morning at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Building at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville at 8:15 a.m. Employees and visitors were relocated to a staging location while law enforcement initiated a search of the building.
The building has been cleared by law enforcement. At this point, all employees and visitors to the building are safe and accounted for. In order to support employees, the HHS building will be closed to in-person services for the remainder of the day. Clients can access services online at epass.nc.gov or by calling 828-250-5500.
While officials are looking into the circumstances related to the cause of the alarm, we have no evidence to suggest that an active assailant was involved. We will continue to keep the community updated with any new information as it becomes available. We want to thank our law enforcement agencies for the immediate and thorough response to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees and visitors.
An emergency alert was triggered this morning at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Building at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville. Law enforcement is on scene and is clearing the building. Employees and visitors were relocated to the post office across the street. There is no evidence of an active assailant at this time.
We’ll provide more information as it becomes available.