The Bundesplatz and the Bundesgasse in Bern were cordoned off for security reasons on Tuesday evening. Various bus routes have been diverted.
Around 15 police officers were on site. An official might also be seen walking across the Bundesplatz with a dog. The place was cordoned off with police tape. The emergency services remained calm. A few onlookers had also gathered.
An ambulance and a fire engine were waiting in Bundesgasse. The police used a bomb robot in the course of the operation. The suspicious item was a black bag.
The bomb robot later picked up the bag. A police officer approached with a container. When the bag was emptied it looked like there were clothes inside. The bomb robot has now been withdrawn. The policeman carried the bag with him. Nothing is known regarding the exact content.
At 7:34 p.m., the Bern canton police gave the all-clear on Twitter. The item turned out to be harmless. The lockdowns have been lifted.
The Federal Palace was still accessible through the rear entrance via the Federal Terrace and was not evacuated. Group meetings were going on in the Bundeshaus on Tuesday evening.