Police: Glass self-shattered at Dem. HQ

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police investigated an incident Wednesday that at first appeared to be a shooting into the Democratic campaign headquarters on Government Street, but may have been something else entirely.

 A loud noise startled volunteers inside and then a large glass pane window shattered.

The incident happened around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, volunteers were busy making phone calls in the main room of the Democratic campaign headquarters.

Representative Napoleon Bracy Jr., stepped outside, through the rear of the building.

"A shot rang out from the Government Street area and went through the front window of our Headquarters,” said Alabama Representative Napoleon Bracy Jr.

A large glass pane window became a fragmented mess.

Another volunteer described the sound as a loud boom, she said everyone ducked and then ran out the back door.

“It was a pretty panicked response,” said Bracy Jr.

One volunteer called 911 from the bank, next door.  Mobile police arrived and began to investigate the incident.

Investigators later said the window already had holes in it, and had been patched, suggesting that the window may have just collapsed.

“During the investigation, existing holes were discovered in the glass front area covered by what appeared to be glass repair material. It was determined the holes existed in the glass previous to the panel shattering,” said Mobile Police spokesperson Ashley Rains.

Police did not find a bullet or any other evidence that indicates a shooting took place.

People who use the building said their work will continue.

“We are scheduled to have our monthly meeting tonight at 6 O' Clock, and the meeting will go on as scheduled. We're not going to let this deter what we have to do for the President and other Democrats in this area,” said Bracy Jr.

Call Mobile police if you have other information regarding this case.