Alex Murdaugh's trial has been dramatically cut short over a bomb threat.
Lawyers, press and members of the public were seen streaming out of Colleton County Courthouse as police cars and fire trucks swarmed on the building in Walterboro, South Carolina.
Lawyers in the case have reportedly confirmed a 'bomb threat' was made.
Law enforcement has directed everyone across the street and the downtown's main street has been cordoned off.
The prison van which transports Murdaugh to and from the courthouse was seen leaving the area, however it is not clear whether he was inside the vehicle.
A police officer entered the court moments before the evacuation and signaled to the judge who immediately sent the jury out.
Confusion spread throughout the room as the Clerk of Court Becky Hill and a police officer then opened the rear doors, which are usually blocked off.
Judge Clifton Newman interrupted testimony around 12.30pm EST and announced the building needed to be evacuated without stating why.
'Ladies and gentlemen, we have to evacuate the building at this time, so we'll be in recess until we discover what's going on,' he said.
The court is in recess until at least 2.30pm.
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Lawyers, press and members of the public were seen streaming out of Colleton County Courthouse as police cars and fire trucks swarmed on the building in Walterboro, South Carolina
A police vehicle arrives at the scene after a bomb threat was reportedly made
Alex Murdaugh and his attorney Jim Griffin shortly after learning that the courthouse needed to be evacuated
People outside the court after Judge Clifton Newman announced the building needed to be cleared
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