NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Authorities confirmed they're investigating multiple bomb threats in the Middle Tennessee area and similar threats have been made across the country.
Police in the following mid-state cities have investigated bomb threats:
- Nashville
- Franklin
- Clarksville
- Gallatin
- Murfreesboro
- Lebanon
- Hendersonville
Franklin police said they’ve received four bomb threats at non-residential locations since 12:26 Thursday afternoon.
In all four cases, suspects sent emails to the locations demanding bitcoins in exchange for not detonating a device they alleged to have placed in the building. Police said they believe that the emails originated from outside the country and that the threats are a hoax. So far, nothing suspicious has been found at any of the Franklin locations.
Greenwood Cemetery in Nashville was also sent a threat. They shared the email with us:
In Murfreesboro, police confirmed three bomb threats were reported at three businesses. All locations were later cleared.
Metro Nashville Police officers have responded to at least seven threats throughout the city including St. Cecilia Academy, where eventually all-clear was given. Two businesses in Lebanon, Cracker Barrel Headquarters and Witt Signs, also reported bomb threats.
In Clarksville, Fire Rescue, Homeland Security and Emergency Management also responded to a bomb threat at a business on the 2400 block of the 41A Bypass just before noon. The business' three occupied offices were evacuated. Montgomery County Deputies using a K-9 trained to detect explosives did not find any explosive devices and employees returned to their offices around 1 p.m.
Even though this type of letter has been circulating throughout the country and, so far, has proved to be a hoax, threats are taken seriously and all efforts to ensure the safety of citizens are utilized.
Clarksville officials said in a press release, "Even though this type of letter has been circulating throughout the country and, so far, has proved to be a hoax, threats are taken seriously and all efforts to ensure the safety of citizens are utilized."
"Even though this type of letter has been circulating throughout the country and, so far, has proved to be a hoax, threats are taken seriously and all efforts to ensure the safety of citizens are utilized."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation released the following statement:
"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 to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety."
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also commented on the threats:
"We are aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities across Tennessee and around the country, and continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to assist. As always, we encourage the public to join us, by remaining vigilant and reporting anything suspicious to law enforcement."
