Explosion in Evanston Target Restroom Caused by Plastic-Bottle Device

EVANSTON, IL - An explosion rocked a bathroom Wednesday afternoon at the Target store on Howard Street in Evanston.

The Evanston Police Department confirmed on Twitter that officers responded to the Target store, 2209 Howard St., to a report of a “minor explosion” involving a plastic bottle in the bathroom.

There were no injuries, according to police. The damage was limited to the only the restroom.

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The incident took place around 4 p.m.

Police are investigating whether the bomb is related to Target's policy on transgender people's use of restrooms and fitting rooms. Company policy allows "transgendered team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.”

Nearly 700,000 people have signed an online petition declaring their intention to boycott Target.

In Bradley last month, a man was arrested after his protest at a Target store led to a disruption and a massive police response.

The Evanston Target remained open after the incident, and police say no threats have been made against the store.