CINCINNATI — Cincinnati police said they are monitoring multiple bomb threats sent electronically to various locations, but the threats do not appear to be credible.
However, police noted that every bomb threat is unique and should be reported to authorities.
In Union Township, police said they brought in a canine to search Child Focus on Aicholtz Road and the Cincinnati Nature Center. Police don't believe the threats were made locally.
The threats came amid a flurry of similar ones reported across the country that authorities say appear to be hoaxes. Some businesses and schools were evacuated as a result of the threats.
Police in New York City said the threats were meant to cause disruption and compel people into sending money, the Associated Press reported. A copy of one of the threatening emails sent from a recipient to WCPO's sister station in Nashville demanded a payment of $20,000 in bitcoin, a digital cryptocurrency created independent of governments or banks.
Authorities in numerous other cities across the country said they were also responding to similar threats that they did not believe were credible.
In a statement, the FBI said it was aware of recent bomb threats made across the country and is in touch with its local 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 FBI said.
Cincinnati police said anyone who receives a bomb threat should remain calm and notify authorities immediately, including both a facility supervisor or manager and 911.
