US: Police activity ongoing in response to threat at factory in Claycomo, Mo., evening of July 18

Event

Police are responding to an ongoing threat at the Ford Assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri, the evening of July 18. An individual placed a phone call claiming to be barricaded inside the factory, armed with firearms and explosives, at approximately 17:20. Authorities have placed the plant on lockdown and evacuated employees. Police are currently on the scene to secure the plant and investigate the incident; it is unclear if there is actually a barricaded individual onsite. The motivation behind the incident is unclear, although reports suggest that a possible disgruntled employee was behind the phone call. There have been no reports of casualties.

A heavy police presence is almost certain in the area into early July 19. Localized transit disruptions, including to nearby Highway 69, and business disruptions are likely over the coming hours.

Claycomo is in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Monitor local news sources for further information. Heed the directives of authorities. Plan for localized transit disruptions.