JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Authorities say there's no confirmation of shots fired or hostages taken at a Jefferson City office building near the Governor's Mansion that's been under lockdown.
Employees in the 10-story Governor Office Building were told over the intercom to remain in the offices with their doors locked. Police were gradually evacuating the building. Officers searched the building, room by room and floor by floor.
Kevin Kelly from the Missouri Public Service Commission told NBC Action News his employees were notified via the building's intercom system that police were locking down the building.
Kelly is on the 6th floor of the ten-story building; he says Public Service Commission employees occupy 9 of the 10 floors of the building. Kelly confirmed PSC employees occupy the fifth floor.
Alice Spencer, store manager at River City Florist located across the street from the Governor's Building, said they were on lockdown just after 10 a.m. Monday.
Tyler Sharp, an employee at Madison's Cafe, says state police came into his store and instructed everyone to stay inside and off the street. Madison's Cafe is located just down the street from the Governor's Building.
High Street, Madison Street, and East Capitol Avenue were closed to traffic during the lockdown.
Carrie Carroll from Carrie’s Hallmark in Jefferson City says lunchtime is typically very busy, but the streets are quiet after law enforcement closed High Street to all traffic.
Carroll says, "We have our door locked right now, we’re allowing people in and out, so we’re on lockdown as a precaution.”
“Most of the area is closed to traffic and people are definitely staying away,” said Carroll.
The Governor Office Building primarily houses the staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities. It also is home to the state's consumer advocacy office and a development finance board. Neither the governor nor his staff work in the building.
