(RepublicanPress.org) – In 2022, the US government released its latest Annual Explosives Incident Report, which details bombings and explosives-related incidents tracked by the United States Bomb Data Center through a centralized tracking system — the Bomb Arson Tracking System (BATS). Throughout that year, 14,627 explosive-related incidents were reported to BATS, and there was a 35% increase in bomb threats that year. In 2024, several such bomb threats are already making this year’s list.
On January 4, Fox News reported that nine state capitols received bomb threats, prompting evacuations. Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, Montana, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, and Georgia were affected. The threats didn’t prove credible, as law enforcement did a complete search and didn’t find a single bomb. The FBI said it was aware of “numerous hoax incidents” and was taking them seriously. The agency said even a hoax “puts innocent people at risk” and urged the public to stay vigilant.
A series of bomb threats were made to at least five different state capitols and prompted evacuations Wednesday, according to state officials and law enforcement, though no explosives were found. https://t.co/htQfHSmMsC
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 3, 2024
The news outlet also said several other states received threats as well but didn’t feel the need to close their capitol buildings. Those areas included Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming.
The explosives warning came in through a “mass email” warning state capitols about a bomb in their building. In several states, law enforcement used bomb-sniffing dogs to give the all-clear before allowing people back in the buildings. Ongoing legal proceedings were moved to other facilities while police did their work. The FBI has not released any information on possible suspects who conducted the widespread hoax. According to FindLaw, anyone who makes a false bomb threat could face a fine and prison time.
Reports on January 4 revealed that more government buildings received bomb threats after the initial scares on the previous day.
The recent incidents come on the heels of a slew of swatting incidents over the holiday season against several politicians all over the country. Several legislators were targeted, including Representatives Brandon Williams (R-NY), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). It’s unclear if the bombing hoax and swatting incidents are related.
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