Columbia police investigate multiple email bomb threats
The Columbia Police Department was investigating multiple reports of email bomb threats in the area on Thursday afternoon.
This comes as state and national law enforcement agencies were also reporting numerous threats of the same nature.
Police said there is nothing to suggest the validity of the threats. CPD said the reported emails request that a specific amount of money be sent to a Bitcoin account, and if that amount is not deposited, the email states that an explosive will be detonated.
“CPD encourages the public to remain vigilant,” CPD said in a press release. “Any local business, organization or individual who receives a potential threat to public safety should report it by calling Boone County Joint Communications Center at 573-442-6131.”
Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia also reported a similar bomb threat Thursday afternoon.
Police said they believe the threat was part of the nation-wide trend.
According to health center officials, the center, located on E. 14th Street, went on a code purple alert at approximately 2 p.m. after an employee received a threatening email. All employees were told to return to their stations, and there was no interruption to care at the facility, officials said.
The lockdown was lifted just before 3 p.m.
Columbia police are still investigating the threats.
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