Editing Bomb threat

{{Short description|Threat to detonate an explosive device}}
{{redirect|Bomb scare|the song by 2 Bad Mice|Bombscare}}

A '''bomb threat''' or '''bomb scare''' is a threat, usually [[Words|verbal]] or [[written]], to detonate an [[explosive]] or [[incendiary device]] to cause [[property damage]], [[death]], [[injuries]], and/or incite [[fear]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scocal.stanford.edu/opinion/people-v-turnage-34119|title=People v. Turnage, 55 Cal. 4th 62 |website=California Supreme Court Resources}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914fc40add7b049349b24f0|title=State v. Dekowski, 218 N.J. 596|website=CaseMine}}</ref> whether or not such a device actually exists.

==History==
Bomb threats were used to incite fear and violence during the [[American Civil Rights Movement]], during which leader of the movement [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] received multiple bomb threats during public addresses,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/king-visits-yale-university-delivers-future-integration|title=King visits Yale University; delivers "The Future of Integration"|website=King Institute|date=29 June 2017 |publisher=Stanford University|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/bomb-scare-delays-kings-address-nashville-christian-leadership-conference-fisk|title=Bomb scare delays King's address to Nashville Christian Leadership Conference at Fisk University|website=King Institute|date=5 August 2017 |publisher=Stanford University|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=http://dailytrojan.com/2019/01/21/52-years-ago-a-bomb-threat-interrupted-mlks-speech-at-bovard/|title=52 years ago, a bomb threat interrupted MLK's speech at Bovard|last=Kruzman|first=Diana|date=January 21, 2019|work=Daily Trojan|access-date=April 14, 2019|publisher=University of Southern California|location=California}}</ref> and schools forced to integrate faced strong opposition, resulting in 43 bomb threats against Central High School in Arkansas being broadcast on TV and the radio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.resource.org/pub/us/case/reporter/F2/257/257.F2d.33.16034.html|title=Aaron v. Cooper, 257 F.2d 33|website=resource.org}}</ref>

==Motivations==
Supposed motives for bomb threats include: "humor, self assertion, anger, manipulation, aggression, hate and devaluation, omnipotence, fantasy, and psychotic distortion,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/clintons-obama-suspicious-packages/index.html|title=Suspect arrested after explosive devices sent to Trump critics and CNN|last1=Wagner|first1=Meg|date=November 5, 2018|work=CNN|access-date=24 December 2019|last2=Rocha|first2=Veronica|last3=Tatum|first3=Sophie|last4=Levenson|first4=Eric|last5=Ries|first5=Brian|last6=Murphy|first6=Paul P.|last7=Yeung|first7=Jessie}}</ref> ideology, retaliation," and creating chaos.<ref name=":14">{{cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/moosavi-v-state-2|title=Moosavi v. State, 355 Md. 651|website=Casetext}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/68f80ca783a84d808e31ac710e0b9bea|title=Indictment: Hackers charged with making threats to schools|date=February 12, 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/183f3fda6e354192a64b737c1ae1f88e|title=UK teen jailed for 3 years for bomb hoaxes|date=December 7, 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref> Many of the motives based on personal emotion are speculative.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Newman|first=Graeme R.|date=August 2011|title=Bomb Threats in Schools|url=https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/bomb-threats-schools-0|journal=Center for Problem-Oriented Policing|publisher=Arizona State University|volume=32}}</ref>  Bomb threats that aren’t intended to be pranks are often made as parts of other crimes, such as [[extortion]], [[arson]], or [[aircraft hijacking]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-NYyKqMV8MoC&q=%22people+v.+vitusky%22&pg=PR21|title=New York Supplement|date=December 24, 1913|publisher=West Publishing Company|via=Google Books}}</ref> Actual bombings for [[Vandalism|malicious destruction of property]], [[terrorism]], or [[murder]] are often perpetrated without warning.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" />

===Ideological===
Bomb threats may be motivated by political, religious, and ideological differences. These include political issues, [[abortion]], animal testing, [[eco-terrorism]], and use of [[nuclear power]]. The aim of these threats is to draw attention to certain causes or incite fear and unrest among those who support said causes.<ref name=":10"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-act-violence/201304/bombers-or-bomb-threat-makers|title=Bombers or Bomb Threat Makers?: Looking for Hunters, Dealing with Howlers|last=Albrecht|first=Steve|date=April 19, 2013|website=Psychology Today|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Contemporary threat management : a practical guide for identifying, assessing, and managing individuals of violent intent|last1=Calhoun|first1=Frederick S.|last2=Weston|first2=Stephen W.|publisher=Specialized Training Services|year=2003|location=San Diego|oclc = 55002916}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aboutanimaltesting.co.uk/threats-researchers-use-animals-testing.html|title=Threats to Researchers who Use Animals for Testing|last=Murnaghan|first=Ian|date=February 21, 2018|website=About Animal Testing|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref> Some threats are racially-motivated,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/2b7cd646cca74aa98c63006ce633e714|title=Arizona man pleads guilty to Harvard bomb threats|date=February 28, 2019|website=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref> while others are made against houses of worship or research and medical facilities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/7e36c278e26d4523be9e5291646a8274|title=Israeli who threatened US Jewish centers gets 10 years|date=November 22, 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/8cc5547c1f634fe7a21822110b77d126|title=Police spend 6 hours probing false bomb threat at NY church|date=December 28, 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/37993f31351640c594a0ac366a8435c1|title=Muslim advocacy group seeks investigation into mosque threat|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref>

===Extortion===
Bomb threats made as part of [[extortion]] schemes demand some form of bribe, payment, or incentive to prevent the use of a bomb. The payment can be made in the form of cash, [[Bitcoin]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/wave-bomb-threats-causes-evacuations-anxiety-nationwide-n947671|title=Wave of bomb threats causes evacuations, anxiety across U.S. and Canada|last=Silva|first=Daniella|date=December 13, 2018|work=NBC|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.app.com/story/news/local/public-safety/2018/12/13/multiple-bomb-threats-reported-monmouth-and-ocean-counties/2307916002/|title=Multiple bomb threats reported in Monmouth and Ocean counties|last1=Goudsward|first1=Andrew|date=December 13, 2018|work=Asbury Park Press|access-date=April 14, 2019|publisher=USA Today|last2=Walker|first2=Tamara|last3=Larsen|first3=Erik}}</ref> or forcing the victim to adhere to demands.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/2046cd59c80546e1927a3655f14ab0e3|title=Man charged in school bomb threats facing sextortion charges|date=April 11, 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2019/04/11/brian-kil-suspect-faces-life-prison-child-porn-sextortion-charges/3434050002/|title='Brian Kil' suspect faces life in prison with Plainfield threats, child porn, sextortion charges|last=Mack|first=Justin L.|date=April 11, 2019|work=Indianapolis Star|access-date=April 14, 2019|publisher=USA Today}}</ref>

===Hoax device===
A '''hoax device''' has the appearance of a destructive device or biological weapon, and is intended to cause a reasonable person to assume the item was a truly destructive device capable of causing injury or death.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sinai |first1=Joshua |title=Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International |journal=Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International |date=2020 |volume=26 |issue=1 |page=30}}</ref> Because of the potential for loss of life, injury, and property damage of a bomb detonation, bomb threats are treated as realistic and maliciously intended by authorities until proven otherwise.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2004/09/01/01bomb.h24.html|title=Bomb Threats Taking Financial Toll|last=Bowman|first=Darcia Harris|date=October 2, 2004|work=Education Week|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref> Bomb threats made as jokes or pranks, especially those made against schools, annually waste thousands of dollars in law enforcement costs, other government resources, and educational time.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> These threats may be made as distractions or disruptions, forcing school officials to cancel or postpone planned activities such as exams.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/4f801e6472d84ce9b4f96a40353a5e2b|title=Man pleads guilty to bomb threat made to thwart traffic stop|date=March 26, 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/gulden-v-mccorkle|title=Gulden v. McCorkle, 680 F.2d 1070|work=Casetext}}</ref>

===False flag===
[[False flag]] bomb threats are made to create the appearance of a specific group or person being responsible for an activity to disguise the true perpetrators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-mohamed-13|title=United States v. Mohamed, 459 F.3d 979|work=Casetext}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/52f3828f172a4789ad2a8f4f558a2795|title=Ex-journalist to get resentenced in Jewish threats case|date=April 10, 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref>

===Political===
Bomb threats can be part of politically-motivated operations. For example: It was reportedly used as a pretext by the [[Belarus|Belarusian]] government to divert [[Ryanair Flight 4978]] to [[Minsk]] to arrest [[Raman Pratasevich]], an oppositional figure. As a result the nation was accused of committing [[state terrorism]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Exiled opposition figure arrested after flight diverted to Belarus citing bomb threat |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/belarus-president-lukashenko-critic-journalist-raman-pratasevich-arrested-flight-diverted-1806053-2021-05-23 |website=India Today |date=23 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Belarus 'diverts Ryanair flight to arrest journalist', opposition says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57219860 |website=BBC News |access-date=23 May 2021 |date=2021-05-23}}</ref>

==Targets==
===Schools and universities===
Bomb threats are often made toward educational institutions. They are typically by students who are overwhelmed by academic pressure,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://digitalmaine.com/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1078&context=opla_docs|title=Final Report of the Joint Study Committee to Study Bomb Threats in Maine Schools|last=Maine State Legislature|date=1 November 2000|access-date=5 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/sacramento/press-releases/2015/fresno-woman-pleads-guilty-to-bomb-threat-hoax-at-fresno-city-college|title=FBI — Fresno Woman Pleads Guilty to Bomb Threat Hoax at Fresno City College|work=FBI}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-massachusetts-bomb-threats-idUSKCN0IW2HI20141112|title=Five Massachusetts schools receive hoax bomb threats|date=12 November 2014|work=Reuters|access-date=2017-06-30|archive-date=2015-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018014053/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/11/12/us-usa-massachusetts-bomb-threats-idUSKCN0IW2HI20141112|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-louisiana-threat-idUSKBN0GD23G20140813|title=Man indicted for bomb hoax at Louisiana university|date=13 August 2014|work=Reuters}}</ref> are resentful of the school, and/or are acting on violent impulses. Their frustration may be aimed at specific groups or individuals that are part of the school’s community.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/rl-v-cent-york-sch-dist-1|title=R.L. v. Cent. York Sch. Dist., 183 F. Supp. 3d 625 -- Factual Summary|work=Casetext}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/wisconsin/court-of-appeals/2018/2017ap001905.html|title=State v. J.P. (In the Interest of J.P.)|work=Justia}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web|url=https://cases.justia.com/wisconsin/court-of-appeals/2000AP003095-(2001-04-03).pdf?ts=1396152446|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306084945/https://cases.justia.com/wisconsin/court-of-appeals/2000AP003095-%282001-04-03%29.pdf?ts=1396152446|url-status=live|title=State v. Jacob J.B. (in the Interest of Jacob J.B.), 2001 Wisc.|archive-date=2021-03-06|work=Justia}}</ref> During 1999— which was the most recent year with publicly published data as of 2005— roughly 5% of bomb threats made in the United States targeted schools. Over a decade later bomb threats against schools saw a 33% increase of while threats against residences decreased by 35% between 2014 and 2016. <ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url=https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/infographics/bomb-threats-across-united-states|title=Bomb Threats Across the United States|date=August 17, 2018|website=ATF|access-date=April 14, 2019}}</ref> Perpetrators of bomb threats are usually immediately expelled or fired from the school. {{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

On December 16, 2013 at approximately 8:30 a.m. the final exams at [[Harvard University]] were disrupted by several anonymous emails threatening plant [[wikt:nail bomb|shrapnel bombs]] at various locations on the campus.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024|reason=The article never mentions the type of bomb.}} The FBI charged Eldo Kim, a [[sophomore]] at Harvard, for the false bomb threats on the following day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2013/12/17/student-charged-bomb-threat/|title=Harvard Sophomore Charged in Bomb Threat|last=Fandos|first=Nicholas|date=18 December 2013|website=The Harvard Crimson|language=en|access-date=2024-09-24}}</ref>

Eldo Kim agreed to take responsibility for his attempt to cancel the fall 2013 final exams on November 19th, 2014. Following his legal agreement, Kim agreed to publish his confession in [[The Harvard Crimson]] on November 25th, pay restitution to law enforcement agencies, complete a rehabilitative "diversionary program", remain under home confinement for four months, and perform 750 hours of community service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/11/25/eldo-kim-apology-threat/|title=One Year Later, Kim Apologizes for Bomb Threat Hoax|last=Klein|first=Mariel|date=25 November 2014|website=The Harvard Crimson|language=en|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/boston/press-releases/2013/harvard-student-charged-with-bomb-hoax|title=Harvard Student Charged with Bomb Hoax|last=U.S. Attorney’s Office|date=17 December 2013|work=FBI|access-date=5 June 2019}}</ref>

===Public figures===
Bomb threats against political figures such as the [[President of the United States]], occur regularly and are illegal under the United States Code Title 18, Section 871 law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/871|title=18 USCS 871|website=Legal Information Institute|access-date=24 December 2019}}</ref>

The [[British royal family]], specifically Queen Elizabeth, has faced bomb threats based on blame for the actions of the British government.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/16/bomb-plot-kill-queen-foiled-detectives/|title='This one is for the Queen': Man jailed over bomb threat made during historic Royal visit to Ireland|last=Harley|first=Nicola|date=16 December 2016|work=The Telegraph|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> Celebrities may also be the victims of bomb threats, especially those who have expressed political views,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newsweek.com/nine-people-targeted-mailed-pipe-bombs-1187432|title=BOMB THREAT: HERE'S EVERYONE WHO'S BEEN TARGETED AND EVERYTHING WE KNOW SO FAR|last=Hutzler|first=Alexander|date=25 October 2018|work=Newsweek|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> or those who are leaders of political causes.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Author [[Salman Rushdie]] and his publisher faced multiple bomb threats from Islamic fundamentalist groups because of his controversial book [[The Satanic Verses]], which was interpreted by these groups as opposing Muslim ideology.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/14/books/rushdie-novel-brings-bomb-threats.html|title=Rushdie Novel Brings Bomb Threats|last=Mitgang|first=Herbert|date=14 January 1989|work=The New York Times|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref>

===Government and public infrastructure===
[[File:Bomb threat 20080316 Salon du livre.jpg|thumb|Evacuation of the [[Paris Expo Porte de Versailles]] during the 2008 Salon du livre de Paris, after a bomb threat]]

Many buildings are the recipients of bomb threats, including transportation hubs such as airports and train stations,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/ccf3d087231d48948bc0d205e8fe8b9a|title=Norwegian Air plane evacuated after receiving threat|date=7 February 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/b44d94e972e64708803c5b13c550449e|title=Amsterdam airport departure area evacuated for bomb threat|date=31 December 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/59eb62333bbf4731a23ea240d0fc11ea|title=Flight held when crew fears bomb threat; no threat found|date=25 December 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="Mall evacuated over bomb threat">{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/7c651dba756448fe8f409166d52b4a21|title=Mall evacuated over bomb threat|date=24 December 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> power plants, medical facilities,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/e1ab6581371e4238a66dec1d2ad8b223|title=Man pleads guilty to making bomb threat at veterans clinic|date=30 January 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> and government buildings<ref name=":22">{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-darby-16|title=United States v. Darby, 37 F.3d 1059 |work=Casetext}}</ref> such as [[the Pentagon]],<ref name="Associated Press">{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/612ef0b94b6e48cdbea66715e526c3f3|title=Man pleads guilty of phoning bomb threats to Pentagon, CNN|date=31 January 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> the US Embassy,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thebubble.com/bomb-threat-at-us-embassy-turns-out-to-be-false-alarm/|title=Bomb Threat At US Embassy Turns Out To Be False Alarm|last=McCay|first=Katie|date=24 January 2017|work=The Bubble|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> and the [[Casa Rosada]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ambito.com/politica/casa-rosada/amenaza-bomba-policias-la-ciudad-revisaron-el-edificio-n5344199|title=Bomb Threat At Argentina's House of Government, Police Are Searching|last=McCay|first=Katie|date=30 December 2021|work=Ámbito|access-date=30 December 2021}}</ref> Among these, airports, city halls, and courthouses are most likely to experience repeated bomb threats.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal|last=Barrera|first=Dan Jerome S|date=20 July 2017|title=Bomb threats and reports of suspicious items in the Philippines: Spatial and temporal patterns|journal=Security Journal|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan UK|volume=30|issue=3|pages=665–685|issn=0955-1662|eissn=1743-4645|doi=10.1057/sj.2015.1|s2cid=154319270}}</ref> Among bomb threats related to transportation, threats and false information knowingly provided about bombs on airplanes have the most severe response.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/levin-v-united-air-lines|title=Levin v. United Air Lines, Inc., 158 Cal. App. 4th 1002|via=Casetext}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-gray-248|title=United States v. Gray, 780 F.3d 458|work=Casetext}}</ref>

===Private institutions and businesses===
Private institutions and businesses, including as banks, department stores, malls, casinos, restaurants, manufacturing plants,<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/state-v-rivera-382|title=State v. Rivera, 42 Kan. App. 2d 914 |work=Casetext}}</ref> and truck stops, have been the recipients of bomb threats for various reasons.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal|last=Zaitsu|first=Wataru|date=14 October 2009|title=Bomb threats and offender characteristics in Japan|journal=Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling|volume=7|issue=1|pages=75–89|doi=10.1002/jip.106}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite journal|last=Häkkänen|first=Helinä|date=1 March 2006|title=Finnish Bomb Threats: Offence and Offender Characteristics|journal=International Journal of Police Science & Management|location=Vantaa, Finland|publisher=National Bureau of Investigation|volume=8|issue=1|pages=1–8|doi=10.1350/ijps.2006.8.1.1|s2cid=145741072}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/1c8b56c35ff04063b64df0de359e6313|title=Bomb threat leads to evacuation of Target store|date=22 December 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="Mall evacuated over bomb threat"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/603309037deb4c33b781d058281bfe21|title=Canadian man arrested for Deadwood casino bomb threats|date=20 February 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/cf5a7eee611647edabc86d7952a7f6fd|title=Man in custody after bomb threat at Missouri truck stop|date=21 January 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/2046cd59c80546e1927a3655f14ab0e3|title=Man charged in school bomb threats facing sextortion charges|date=11 April 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> Some bomb threats are made because of ideological differences or opposition to the mission or perceived mission of the institution, such as those made against [[Planned Parenthood]] and abortion clinics,<ref name="Woods">{{Cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2019/01/27/threats-against-planned-parenthood-posted-to-bronx-state-senators-facebook-page/|title=Threats against Planned Parenthood posted to Bronx state senator's Facebook page|last=Woods|first=Amanda|date=27 January 2019|work=New York Post|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/p/that-hoax-bomb-at-planned-parenthood-proves-threats-to-abortion-clinics-are-still-horribly-real-2969572|title=That Hoax Bomb At Planned Parenthood Proves Threats To Abortion Clinics Are Still Horribly Real|last=Busch|first=Monica|date=23 October 2017|website=Bustle|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.whittierdailynews.com/2017/10/21/bomb-squad-investigated-pipe-with-protruding-wires-found-in-front-of-whittier-planned-parenthood-office/|title=Bomb squad destroys 'hoax device' left outside Whittier Planned Parenthood office|last=Day|first=Brian|date=21 October 2017|work=Whittier Daily News|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> news organizations such as [[CNN]],<ref name="Associated Press"/> or nuclear facilities.<ref name=":10">Mazur, Allan. “Bomb Threats and the Mass Media: Evidence for a Theory of Suggestion.” ''American Sociological Review'', vol. 47, no. 3, 1982, pp. 407–411. ''JSTOR'', www.jstor.org/stable/2094997.</ref> From 1983 to 1992, the World Trade Center experienced roughly 350 bomb threats and scares for various reasons.<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/innyco20110922277|title=Matter of World Trade Ctr. Bombing Litig., 17 N.Y.3d 428|website=Leagle}}</ref>

Some threats are motivated by money, involving an offender demanding a payoff from a bank or department store over a public phone.<ref name=":8" /> Other reasons for attacking a restaurant or shopping center include revenge or vandalism, the primary motives found in a study analyzing 69 Finnish offenders.<ref name=":9" />

==Methods==
A majority of bomb threats are perpetrated by middle-aged men who make these threats via a telephone call.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-baller|title=United States v. Baller, 519 F.2d 463|work=Casetext}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-gilbert-6|title=U.S. v. Gilbert, 181 F.3d 152 &#124; Casetext|website=casetext.com}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> Different types of offenders tend to call the target directly on a public phone to demand money, call directly on a personal line because of resentment, or call emergency service lines and make threats for personal entertainment.<ref name=":8" />

Bomb threats may also be made by text message, as in the case of a March 2004 message to a private operator sending a warning of bombs in five [[Washington, D.C.]] schools,<ref name=":1" /> and February 2014 messages to school employees of [[Ateneo de Manila University]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/accenture-confirms-receiving-bomb-threat-074451424.html|title=Accenture confirms receiving bomb threat|last=Ramos|first=Billy Jane|date=18 February 2014|publisher=Yahoo! Philippines|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref>

Bomb threats may be made in letters or notes,<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leagle.com/decision/20061580906a2d67411372|title=A.B. v. Slippery Rock Area Sch. Dist., 906 A.2d 674|via=Leagle}}</ref><ref name=":16" /> delivered either personally or through the mail system. Packages intended to mimic or represent bombs, including backpacks, luggage, bags, or attache cases,<ref name=":19" /> even if they may not have the capability of exploding because of poor construction or intentional choices, are still treated as potential explosives, as in the case of 13 devices mailed to various politicians and opponents of [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/10/us/suspicious-packages-timeline/|title=A timeline of the pipe bomb scare|last=Wolf|first=Z. Byron|publisher=CNN|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/what-we-know-about-pipe-bomb-scare-suspect-s-arrest-n924806|title=What we know about the pipe bomb scare and suspect Cesar Sayoc's arrest|last=Burke|first=Minyvonne|date=26 October 2018|work=NBC News|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref>

Electronic bomb threats may be made over websites,<ref name=":0"/> email,<ref name=":17" /> or social media,<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":20">{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/commonwealth-v-burik|title=Commonwealth v. Burik|via=Casetext}}</ref> as in the case of the emailed wave of [[2018 Bitcoin bomb threats]] in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/wave-bomb-threats-causes-evacuations-anxiety-nationwide-n947671|title=Wave of bomb threats causes evacuations, anxiety across U.S. and Canada|last=Silva|first=Daniella|date=13 December 2018|work=NBC News|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/e62c1e94c41b4e9f9aec7780efad288c|title=Woman admits making hoax bomb threats to 2 courthouses|date=8 April 2019|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="Woods"/> A series of mail bombs sent to celebrities based on their political ideologies was found to have been preceded by threats on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/bomb-suspect-twitter-threats-1202998757/|title=Jim Carrey, Ron Howard Among Celebrities Threatened on Twitter by Mail Bomb Suspect|last=Roettgers|first=Janko|date=26 October 2018|website=Variety|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref>

They can also be made face-to-face.<ref name=":0"/>

===Indirect threats===
Many activities treated as bomb threats do not explicitly state an intent to set off an explosive; nevertheless, they convey through context or action that a threat is being made. Some actions may indicate an intent to bomb, such as parking a truck outside an abortion clinic, after a similar bombing made by the same vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/221261/united-states-v-bagdasarian/|title=United States v. Bagdasarian, 652 F.3d 1113|via=Court Listener}}</ref> In other scenarios, a message mentioning bombs may be interpreted as a threat based on context, such as an email to a school principal reading "bomb,"<ref name=":17" /> a statement that a bomb exists in a specific location,<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":18" /><ref name=":16" /> the expression of a desire to build a bomb,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/4321422/united-states-v-gebert/|title=United States v. Gebert |via=Court Listener}}</ref> a description of a bomb that was placed,<ref name=":20" /> or other communications.<ref name=":22" />

==Credibility and response==
Most bomb threats are false alarms which do not involve actual explosives, only the incitement of fear.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" /> There are more bomb threats than incidents, with only 14 of 1,055 school incidents recorded from 1990 to 2002 being preceded by threats.<ref name=":0" /> According to the Hunter-Howler threat dynamic, the group of people who make bomb threats is largely separate from those who attempt a real bombing, which typically occurs without warning.<ref name=":2" />

Standard procedure is usually to take all threats seriously because civilians are usually threatened by them if valid as well as the community,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/11F56A4498F38320?p=AWNB|title=Bomb scares taken seriously, punished appropriately}}</ref> and arrests may be made even for bomb threats made falsely as in most jurisdictions even hoaxes are a crime.<ref name=":14" /> Signs that a threat is legitimate include an out-of-place object found, a motive or specific targets being stated, and multiple calls or specific threats being made.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.umuc.edu/current-students/student-life-and-support/safety-and-security/crime-and-personal-safety/bomb-threat.cfm|title=Bomb Threat|website=University of Maryland: University College|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=":0"/>

Police and [[bomb disposal]] professionals are typically alerted to respond to bomb threat incidents to assess and mitigate potential harm. Schools and government organizations offer instructions and sometimes training for both bomb prevention planning and response to assist those facing bomb threats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/what-to-do-bomb-threat|title=What To Do - Bomb Threat|website=Department of Homeland Security|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loyola.edu/department/emergency-preparedness/hazard-information/bomb|title=Bomb Threat/Explosive Device Information|website=Loyola|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref> Organizations involved in responding to a bomb threat may also include anti-terrorism government agencies, fire departments, and other emergency services.<ref name=":1" />

The decision to [[Emergency evacuation|evacuate]] an area or [[building]], depending on the perceived reliability of the threat, may be made by local controlling authorities or those in charge of the targeted facility based on advice from [[bomb disposal]] experts.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ateneo.edu/news/fr-jetts-memo-bomb-threat|title=FR. JETT'S MEMO ON THE BOMB THREAT|last=Villarin|first=Jose Ramon T|date=12 February 2014|website=Atteneo de Manila University|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/breaking-multiple-bomb-threats-received-across-us-including-orlando/888411922|title=Nationwide hoax: Multiple bomb threats received across U.S., including Orlando|last1=Healey|first1=Kelly|date=14 December 2018|work=WFTV|access-date=14 April 2019|last2=Tutten|first2=James}}</ref> When a large facility is involved, it can be very difficult and time-consuming to ensure the absence of any bomb or other hazardous device or substance. A search is conducted for out-of-place packages that have features such as unusual shapes, sounds, smells, leakage, or electrical components. Bomb-sniffing dogs may be used as part of this search.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapinto.net/towns/parsippany/sections/police-and-fire/articles/bomb-threat-at-hilton|title=Bomb Threat at Hilton|last=Parsippany Police|date=27 October 2018|website=TAPinto|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.apnews.com/6468f4deb24146888467aa753f29d088|title=Connecticut police department adds bomb-sniffing dog|date=5 November 2018|work=Associated Press|access-date=14 April 2019}}</ref><ref name=":15" /> Forensic evidence and law enforcement searches are then used to attempt to locate the perpetrator.

===Law===
While the terms "bomb threat" and "bomb scare" are often used interchangeably, a bomb threat in the legal context is typically in the form of a statement, or some "communicated intent to inflict harm,"<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/1611761/state-v-douglas-d/|title=State v. Douglas D. (In the Interest of Douglas D.), 2001 WI 47 - P63|via=Court Listener}}</ref><ref name=":21">{{Cite web|url=https://cite.case.law/mass-law-rep/33/94/|title=Commonwealth v. Grenga|via=Caselaw Access Project}}</ref> whereas a "bomb scare" refers to situations of imminent risk, such as the discovery of a suspicious bag.<ref name=":13" /> These are both distinct from false statements knowingly made about bombs, which are sometimes also criminalized.<ref name=":14" />

Some statutory definitions include the threatened use, release or placement of other harmful agents, such as [[poison]]s, [[Biological weapon|biological pathogens]], [[radioactive]] materials, or even a dangerous weapon (e.g., aboard an airliner). Other statutes enhance the penalties for threats made against specific places or persons (e.g. government facilities or dignitaries), and the actual [[Possession (law)|possession]] of harmful devices or agents. Prosecution of making a bomb threat hinges only on the victim's reasonable belief of the threat's veracity rather than the actual existence of a dangerous device.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/united-states-v-furey|title=United States v. Furey, 491 F. Supp. 1048 &#124; Casetext|website=casetext.com}}</ref>

====United States====

A total of 1536 bomb threat incidents took place in the US in 2016, 254 of which were made against businesses and 186 of which were made to residences.<ref name=":6" /> Criminal statutes typically dictate severe penalties. For example, in [[the United States]], [[Massachusetts]] provides for penalties of up to 20 years in [[prison]], up to $50,000 [[Fine (penalty)|fine]], and [[restitution]] for the costs of the disruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/269-14.htm|title=M.G.L. - Chapter 269, Section 14 - General Laws|work=mass.gov}}</ref> [[New York (state)|New York]] law makes it a "Class E [[Felony]] ... to issue a false bomb threat directed toward a school in New York State."<ref>"[http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/facplan/Emergency/BombThreatsAreAFelony.html School Bomb Threats Are A Felony]", press release on [[New York State Education Department]] website. Retrieved April 15, 2009.</ref> Even a false bomb threat has a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to 5 years in prison.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1427-imparting-or-conveying-false-information-bomb-hoax-18-usc-35|title=1427. Imparting Or Conveying False Information (Bomb Hoax) -- 18 U.S.C. 35|date=February 19, 2015|website=www.justice.gov}}</ref> In Orange County in North Carolina, a person may face "a felony charge, a 365-day suspension, revocation of his or her driver’s license, and a civil lawsuit of up to $25,000."<ref name=":1" />

The current federal law regarding bomb threats applies to a person who "threatens by any means the placement or setting of a weapon of mass destruction."<ref name=":20" /> Although there is some contention as to whether the law is overly broad, some current statutes making bomb threats illegal do not define a "threat," as a "true threat", meaning that the intent to use an actual bomb,<ref name=rt>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/state-ex-rel-rt|title=State ex rel. RT, 781 So. 2d 1239 |via=Casetext}}</ref> the existence of a target,<ref name=":21" /> or the ability to convince the recipient that a bomb exists,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/mustafa-v-city-of-chicago|title=Mustafa v. City of Chicago, 442 F.3d 544|via=Casetext}}</ref> is not relevant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://courts.mrsc.org/supreme/156wn2d/156wn2d0355.htm|title=State v. Johnston, 156 Wn.2d 355|via=MRSC}}</ref> This is because verbal acts which inherently cause panic are not protected under [[Freedom of speech]].<ref name=rt/> However, other sentencing guidelines apply only to "defendants whose conduct evidenced an intent to carry out the threat"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/us-v-horton-35|title=United States v. Horton, 98 F.3d 313|via=Casetext}}</ref>

===Society===
Bomb threats are likely influenced by the power of suggestion and mass media, with threats likely to be made against targets with recent media coverage. Analysis suggests bomb threats against nuclear energy facilities tend to follow greater publicity of nuclear power problems.<ref name=":10" /> In the 6 months after the 1999 [[Columbine High School massacre]], there were a reported 5,000 bomb threats made against schools, with hundreds more made every year.<ref name=":1" /> Before 1999, there were roughly 1 to 2 threats a year, but by May 1999 a Gallup poll showed one fifth of teenage students experiencing a bomb threat evacuation.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Kostinsky | first1 = S | last2 = Bixler | first2 = EO | last3 = Kettl | first3 = PA | year = 2001 | title = Threats of School Violence in Pennsylvania After Media Coverage of the Columbine High School Massacre: Examining the Role of Imitation | url = https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/190989 | journal = Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med | volume = 155 | issue = 9| pages = 994–1001 | doi = 10.1001/archpedi.155.9.994 | pmid = 11529800 | doi-access =  | url-access = subscription }}</ref> Because of copycat trends, some schools are moving toward policies of immediate criminal action against students caught making such threats, regardless of motivation.<ref name=":1" /> In addition, the FBI has created a campaign, namely “#ThinkBeforeYouPost”, and warns students not to post or send any threats against a school online.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hoax Threats are Crimes |url=https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/hoax-threats-awareness-100518 |website=Federal Bureau of Investigation |language=en-us}}</ref>

== Notable incidents ==
* 2006 [[4chan#Threats of violence|NFL bomb threat hoax]]
* [[2012 University of Pittsburgh bomb threats]]
* [[2016 Australian school bomb threats]]
* [[2017 Jewish Community Center bomb threats]]
* [[October 2018 United States mail bombing attempts]]
* [[2018 Bitcoin bomb threats]]
* 2021 [[Ryanair Flight 4978]] bomb threat hoax

==See also==
* [[Threat]]
*[[Bomb]]
* [[Death threat]] 
* [[Swatting]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{commons category}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bomb Threat}}
[[Category:Crimes]]
[[Category:Emergency services]]
[[Category:Speech crimes]]
[[Category:Terrorism tactics]]
[[Category:Civil defense]]