Bomb Threats Reported To Maryland Police Believed To Be Hoaxes, Similar Threats Across Country
SALISBURY, Md. (WJZ/CBSNews) -- Salisbury Police are currently investigating bomb threats reported in their area.
One threat was made at WBOC-TV and another at Avery Hall Insurance on East Main Street.
The bomb threats were emailed to the parties and are believed to be a part of a nationwide threat.
SPD is currently investigating two bomb threats. One at WBOC and the other at Avery Hall Insurance on E. Main St. These emailed bomb threats are believed to be part of a nationwide incident this late afternoon. If you receive one, please call us immediately so we can investigate. pic.twitter.com/LJLLa520v8
— Salisbury Police (@SalisburyPD) December 13, 2018
WBOC did evacuate Thursday afternoon, tweeting:
WBOC had to evacuate its Salisbury offices a little after 2:30 p.m. today due to a bomb threat. Police are on the scene with bomb-sniffing dogs. https://t.co/5otFq7KmUW
— WBOC TV16 (@wboc) December 13, 2018
Police say they searched WBOC but did not locate explosives.
Salisbury Police closed E. Main Street between route 13 and Poplar Hill Avenue so they could investigate the threat. They have since reopened the road, but continue to investigate.
Other jurisdictions in Maryland received threats as well, but said they were unfounded.
The University of Maryland Police Department tweeted that they were aware of different departments on their campus receiving hoax bomb threat emails earlier Thursday.
We are aware that different departments across campus received hoax bomb threat emails earlier today. These same emails were sent across the country today. For more information, visit https://t.co/hwKANR1eWM
— UMD Police Dept. (@UMPD) December 14, 2018
Baltimore County Police confirmed to WJZ they received multiple calls to investigate bomb threats throughout the area, but non were deemed credible.
Baltimore City Police also responded to a bomb threat 708 East 25th Street at 1:48 p.m.
The Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office also received a call for a bomb threat around 2 p.m. in the 100 block of Log Canoe Circle in Stevensville. Deputies were dispatched to the scene and the area was evacuated and searched by bomb-sniffing K9s. No threat was found.
Harford County Sheriff's Office also reported receiving a report of one threat. They are
Montgomery County Police tweeted they are aware of the threats, but have not received any reports locally.
Sources tell CBS News the threats are related to an email which demands a Bitcoin payment. The threats appear to be extortion attempts for money or to cause disruption.
The FBI also weighed in on the alleged threats and said agents are in touch with local authorities, CBS News reports.
"We are aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities around the country, and we remain in touch with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance," the FBI said. "As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety."
Examples Of Threat Message
Sources tell CBS News the threats are related to an email which demands a Bitcoin payment. Sources told CBS News the threats appear to be extortion attempts for money or cause disruption.
So I actually just got a bomb threat in my work email today ordering me to send the person $20,000 via bitcoin or they will blow up my place of work.... 2018 is wild pic.twitter.com/sn0vVLwe6v
— Ryan (@TheeRyanGrant) December 13, 2018
Police say if you received a threat call 911.
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