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Bomb and Shooter Threats Force Evacuations at Four U.S. Zoos

Police say early signs point to swatting hoaxes intended to draw a heavy response.

Overview

  • Following Friday’s threats, the Louisville, Toledo, and Phoenix zoos evacuated visitors after phone calls reported bombs, and officers later said searches found no devices.
  • The Columbus Zoo received a bomb and active-shooter threat at about 2:18 p.m. Saturday, evacuated guests, reported no suspicious items after a sweep, and said it will reopen Sunday.
  • Phoenix police said the zoo’s call likely was swatting, a false emergency report designed to trigger a large tactical response by officers.
  • At the Phoenix Zoo, staff cleared more than 2,000 guests and about 500 employees, and police reported an orderly exit and no injuries.
  • Bomb squads, K9 units, and local police led site-wide searches, and officials asked the public for tips as they probe a pattern that also included recent threats to zoos in Memphis and Miami.