Police To Be Out In Force After Hartford Concert Threat

HARTFORD, CT — Hartford police will be out in force at the XL Center on Wednesday as a precaution after someone they described as a habitual threat maker posted warnings of violence at a concert on social media.

Deputy Chief Brian Foley said police received "thousands" of tips about a "recent and specific threat" on Facebook that named the “Dead and Company” concert scheduled for Wednesday the XL Center as a target.

Police released a screen shot of that threat.

Detectives and analysts from the HPD Capitol City Command Center-C4 began investigating the online threat last week, he said.

"At this moment the investigation is active," Foley said. "The suspect is believed to be on the other side of the country and currently has an active arrest warrant. The suspect also has a history of making similar types of threats towards public events. HPD-C4 investigators are working closely with our federal partners, including the FBI, as well as out-of-state law enforcement and fusion centers."

Foley said "all evidence suggests that this threat is not credible," but added Hartford police will have "an increased presence" at the XL Center on Wednesday night.

"We want our visitors to know they are safe and to feel welcomed," he said. "Patrons will see many uniformed officers both inside and outside the venue. HPD undercover detectives will also be conducting covert operations throughout the area as well. Detectives from C4 will be continuing their investigation and monitoring the event closely."

Foley thanked the general and "those who saw something and said something."

Photo: A screen shot of the Facebook threat to a Hartford concert slated for Wednesday courtesy of Hartford police.