COURTHOUSE, DSS BUILDING EVACUATED FOLLOWING THREAT;

GASTONIA, N.C. – Following an early afternoon evacuation on Tuesday, the Gaston County Courthouse and the Gaston County Department of Social Services building will remain closed to the public and staff for the remainder of the day.

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners meeting, which was scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Harley B. Gaston Public Forum inside the Gaston County Courthouse, is canceled.

This follows a threat made that spurred law enforcement activity in the area. Gastonia Police is the lead law enforcement agency, and questions about the investigation can be directed to their agency.

Residents are asked to stay away from the Courthouse and DSS buildings and adjacent parking lots while police activity continues.