FBI, police investigate bomb threat against Sacramento's Run to Feed the Hungry
SACRAMENTO — An increased law enforcement presence will be at Sacramento's Run to Feed the Hungry event on Thanksgiving morning this year after a bomb threat was emailed.
On Monday, the Sacramento Police Department and FBI announced some details about the investigation. Police said detectives were forwarded an email on Nov. 13 that had a bomb threat against the annual run.
Both the FBI and the Run to Feed the Hungry organizers were contacted immediately after the email was received.
The run is going on as planned, but Sacramentans are being urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
"The safety of all participants and spectators at Run to Feed the Hungry is a top priority," said Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester in a statement about the investigation.
Lester also noted that enhanced safety measures are being implemented, but did not go into detail.
"The FBI is deeply committed to the safety of the community. Although we currently doubt the credibility of this threat, we will partner with the Sacramento Police Department at The Run to Feed the Hungry," said Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, who leads the FBI Sacramento Field Office, in a statement. "As we ask with any large-scale event, we urge the public to be vigilant and report any concerns to event security and law enforcement immediately."
Organizers of the run said on Wednesday they would be moving forward with an in-person event on Thursday.
"The threat made against Run to Feed the Hungry was taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly by multiple law enforcement agencies. Operating a safe and secure event remains our top priority, so the Sacramento Police Department will have an increased presence throughout the start and finish areas along the course," event organizers said in an updated statement.
The Run to Feed the Hungry is one of Northern California's biggest Thanksgiving events, regularly attracting nearly 30,000 participants a year.
The run raises funds for the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
