It was a phone call from a state worker in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that launched an epic emergency response on Wednesday afternoon.

The employee, an administrative assistant, reportedly phoned Sam Ruth, commissioner of facilities, from a restroom on the fifth floor where she was hiding to report that there was an active shooter in the building.

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A Kentucky State Police helicopter flies over the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Wednesday afternoon as first responders fill Mero Street following a report of an active shooter in the building. The report turned out to be false. (Chanda Veno | State Journal)

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A state employee comes out of the transportation cabinet with his hands in the air as U.S. Marshals prepare to enter the building. (Chanda Veno | State Journal)

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State employees look at the vast number of law enforcement vehicles on Mero Street after evacuating due to the threat of active shooter Wednesday. (Chanda Veno | State Journal)

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Franklin County Sheriff Chris Quire talks on his phone amid a sea of first responder vehicles. (Chanda Veno | State Journal)

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