El Paso courthouse evacuated after smoke reported on 13th floor

The El Paso County courthouse was evacuated as dozens of firefighters and sheriff's deputies responded to the courthouse in Downtown El Paso. El Paso Fire Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office vehicles at about 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, surrounded the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, 500 E.

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The El Paso County courthouse was evacuated as dozens of firefighters and sheriff's deputies responded to the courthouse in Downtown El Paso.

El Paso Fire Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office vehicles at about 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, surrounded the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio Ave.

El Paso Fire Department vehicles arrive as the El Paso County courthouse was evacuated due to a report of smoke in the building on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in Downtown El Paso.

There was smoke reported on the 13th floor, which prompted the evacuation, EPFD spokesman Hector Gonzalez said. Further details were not immediately available.

Courthouse staff, county workers and visitors inside the courthouse were evacuated from the building as dozens were left standing outside on the sidewalk.

Monday was the first day of early voting.

The El Paso County Elections Department said on a social media post that the main

early-voting location inside the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse and the El Paso County Elections Department were being evacuated due to the situation.

*This is a developing situation. Check back later for updates.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso courthouse evacuated after smoke reported on 13th floor