Bismarck Bomb Squad Checks Backpack near GOP HQ

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The Bismarck Police Department's bomb squad says an unattended backpack left near the North Dakota Republican headquarters contained only clothing and other personal items.

The Bismarck Tribune reports that police got a report of the unattended backpack Thursday morning. Police say "the caller felt that due to the federal government shutdown and the vicinity in which the bag was left it should be checked by police."

Police say the traffic was prohibited in the area while bomb squad members checked out the backpack.