National

Slew of bomb threats reported across the nation at businesses and media organizations

By Josh Magness and Scott Berson

Updated December 13, 2018 10:14 PM

Bomb threats have been reported at businesses, schools and media organizations across the U.S., prompting evacuations and reaction on social media.

But, multiple police departments have cautioned, there is no proof that the threats are credible.

We are currently monitoring multiple bomb threats that have been sent electronically to various locations throughout the city.

These threats are also being reported to other locations nationwide & are NOT considered credible at this time. pic.twitter.com/GowGG4oZ9l
— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) December 13, 2018

We're working a number of bomb threat calls in OKC. There have been similar threats called into several locations around the country. No credible threat found at this point. We encourage the public to continue to be vigilant and call with anything suspicious.
— Oklahoma City Police (@OKCPD) December 13, 2018

MSP Fusion Center tracking multiple bomb threats emailed to numerous businesses in the state. MSP Bomb Squad notified and local departments are responding in their communities. Similar threats have been received in other states. We will share more info when available.
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) December 13, 2018

Ofcs have responded to 6 bomb threats rcvd by local businesses & a school. The threats were recvd by email & appear to be form letters that have reportedly been recvd in other states as well. While these threats may be part of lager scam, we will take all threats seriously. #LNK pic.twitter.com/SzyY4fiFbR
— Lincoln Police (@Lincoln_Police) December 13, 2018

Employees at the News & Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina, were evacuated on Thursday afternoon after a report of a bomb threat. Another bomb threat was reported at WNDU in South Bend, Indiana, while the Oklahoma City Police Department said it was “working a number of bomb threat calls” in the area.

Threats were also reported in the Chicago area, across New York City, at several buildings in Detroit and across the state of Massachusetts. Dozens of schools were placed on lockdown in Colorado, where Columbine High School, the site of one of the country’s most notorious school shootings, was reportedly among those that received a threat, the Denver Post reported.

At least four businesses in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, also reported receiving a bomb threat in an email, local police say, according to KCRG.

The bomb threat that was emailed to Thurston County offices Thursday. Tony Overman toverman@theolympian.com

South Florida has also seen a slew of bomb threats at fast food restaurants, banks and other businesses. The Broward Sheriff’s Office handled at least two.

“Whenever we get any kind of information we treat it as legitimate until we can confirm it’s not credible,” said spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion

In Miami, a threat came in to the Alfred Dupont building in downtown Miami. Another one came into a location just south in in Coconut Grove.

“The New York City Police Department said the threats sent Thursday were meant to cause disruption and compel recipients into sending money and are not considered credible,” according to The Associated Press. “Some of the emails had the subject line: “Think Twice.”

Carli Teproff of the Miami Herald contributed to this report

This story was originally published December 13, 2018 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Slew of bomb threats reported across the nation at businesses and media organizations."

Get unlimited digital access

#ReadLocal