ATLANTA - Federal inspectors are warning of serious fire and safety hazards inside the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in downtown Atlanta after uncovering multiple deficiencies during an ongoing audit.

Atlanta federal courthouse safety issues

What we know:

The U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General said the Public Buildings Service has been bypassing the courthouse’s fire alarm system and monitoring service every business day. Inspectors also found a gas leak detection sensor in the building’s chiller room that had not been repaired since March.

Auditors said building managers and contractors have routinely disabled the courthouse’s fire alarm system, including bells, horns, strobes, and pull stations, after complaints about false

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