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Hoax calls prompt evacuations and closures at several US zoos
Authorities found no explosives or real danger as hoax calls forced evacuations and closures at zoos across the United States, the FBI said.
- On Saturday, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell evacuated after a bomb and active shooter threat was called to its security dispatcher at 2:18 p.m. A comprehensive sweep found no suspicious items, and the zoo reopened Sunday at 9 a.m.
- Similar false bomb and active shooter threats have struck multiple zoos across the U.S. in recent weeks, including Toledo, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Memphis. Hoax calls involving alleged threats have disrupted family plans and strained public safety resources nationwide.
- Federal prosecutors charged a juvenile last week linked to the cybercriminal group Purgatory for swatting calls at universities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. The FBI has logged thousands of swatting incidents since 2023, with such calls costing thousands of dollars per incident.
- Guests holding tickets for Sunday, May 3 can contact the zoo for rescheduling and refund options. Zoo Director of Communications Jacqueline Gerling stated the zoo proactively evacuated out of an abundance of caution to ensure guest and staff safety.
- Law enforcement personnel have been wounded responding to swatting incidents, and victims have suffered heart attacks from such events, prompting FBI concern about this increasing national problem. Zoo president and CEO Tom Schmid told WCMH that employee safety drills prepared staff for Saturday's evacuation.
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Hoax calls spur evacuations and closures at several US zoos
Hoax calls involving alleged bomb threats and even claims of active shooters have prompted evacuations and closures at several zoos around the U.S. in recent days, disrupting family plans and taxing public safety resources in some cities.
·Portland, United States
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Total News Sources88
Leaning Left14Leaning Right5Center60Last UpdatedBias Distribution76% Center
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
76% Center
L 18%
C 76%
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