San Francisco police gave the all clear around 1:30 p.m. Thursday after a suspicious device forced the closure of Union Square.
"There was no merit to a hazardous device," SFPD said in an email statement. "Streets are being reopened."
Police were notified about the object, a backpack, near Geary and Stockton streets, around 11:45 a.m., police said.
"The backpack had evidence that the officer determined needed to be treated with caution," police said in another email.
The bomb squad responded and determined the backpack was not a threat.
Businesses facing Union Square were told to use back doors and shelter in place. Pedestrians and motorists were advised to avoid the area.
Eastbound Muni service was impacted in the area of Market and Fourth streets, according to officials.
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Union Square is a major tourist draw. It is surrounded by high-end retail stores.
In addition, the Nike Women’s Marathon is this weekend. The marathon’s Expotique was adjacent to the police activity.
@nbcbayarea @runnikewomen Runners, be safe! — Brie Kelly (@RunBrieRun13_1) October 17, 2013
