Iowa Man Charged in Courthouse Bomb Threat

Urbandale resident accused of making online threat to Dallas County Courthouse

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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An Urbandale man named Ryan Van Gorp has been charged with two felony counts of making terrorism threats after allegedly submitting an online tip that explosive devices were placed in the Dallas County Courthouse on February 6th. A search of the building did not find any explosives, but authorities say the threat came on the same day Van Gorp was set to be sentenced on a pair of prior court cases.

Why it matters

Bomb threats against government buildings are taken extremely seriously due to the potential for mass casualties and disruption to public services. This case highlights the need for vigilance against such threats, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of making them.

The details

According to the Sheriff's Office, search warrants led them to a cell phone belonging to Ryan Van Gorp that was used to submit the online tip about explosive devices at the Dallas County Courthouse. No explosives were actually found during a search of the building.

  • On February 6th, 2026, the bomb threat was made against the Dallas County Courthouse.
  • Van Gorp was set to be sentenced on a pair of prior court cases on the same day the bomb threat was made.

The players

Ryan Van Gorp

An Urbandale, Iowa resident who has been charged with two felony counts of making terrorism threats after allegedly submitting an online tip about explosive devices at the Dallas County Courthouse.

Dallas County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the bomb threat and charged Van Gorp with the felony offenses.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Van Gorp's sentencing on the prior court cases as well as the new charges related to the bomb threat.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of vigilance against potential threats to public safety, as well as the need for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and prosecute individuals accused of making such threats, in order to maintain public trust and security.