Bomb Threats Made Across Metroplex With Demands For Bitcoin Payments
NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Numerous bomb threats, coupled with demands for Bitcoin payments were made against all types of locations across the metroplex Thursday.
Similar threats were were sent electronically to numerous locations in the country.
The Dallas Police Department said it answered nearly twenty calls for service relating to a reported bomb threat via email message.
The Fort Worth Fire Department confirmed a bomb threat was called in, as did the city of Irving.
"We've had about a half dozen today. All by email demanding $20,000 in bitcoin by the end of the day," said Irving police spokesman James McLellan.
The City of Southlake Department of Public Safety tweeted: "Fair citizens, we wanted you to be aware of two incidents we are currently working involving bombs threats to businesses. We have received information that similar threats are being received across the country. The email sent to the business demands Bitcoin in order to not set off the bomb."
The agency also said the threats were not credible.
Agencies in Arlington, Frisco, Southlake, Denton, Weatherford, Colleyville and Lewisville also reported receiving threats.
Police immediately evacuated all employees and customers from city hall, the library and the recreation center. A search resulted in no suspicious packages being located.
Also, as a precautionary measure, the Wylie municipal complex was closed for the remainder of the day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations sent a statement to CBS 11 News Thursday evening:
"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. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety."
