Bomb Threat To Montclair Library During 'Drag Story Hour' (UPDATED)

MONTCLAIR, NJ -- EDITOR'S NOTE: Read our update to this article here.

A library branch in Montclair was evacuated on Sunday after someone made a bomb threat via email. No explosive devices were found, police said.

The Montclair Police Department released the following details about the incident:

"On Sunday, June 30 at 3:59 p.m., the Montclair Police Department responded to a bomb threat that was called in by an official of the Montclair Public Library located at 50 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair. The threat was delivered via email to the library. The threat included 50 and 40 South Fullerton as well as 185 Bellevue Avenue. Both the Bellevue Ave Public Library and 40 South Fullerton Ave were closed at the time of the threat. 50 South Fullerton was evacuated. The Essex County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Units responded to sweep all locations for any explosive devices. At this time, no devices have been located and this incident is actively under investigation, demonstrating our commitment to resolving the situation."

After a search of each building, they were rendered safe and secure at 6:06 p.m., authorities said.

Police gave an update on Monday, noting that the library was hosting a "Drag Story Hour" reading event at the time of the bomb threat.

The threat was reported by the children's library supervisor, who got an email that stated "bombs were placed at the following locations: 50 South Fullerton Avenue, 40 South Fullerton Avenue, 185 Bellevue Avenue."

The Montclair Fire Department and the Essex County Sheriff's bomb detection unit was also at the scene, authorities said.

The Montclair Police Department is investigating the bomb threat as a bias incident, and is working with counter-terrorism partners on the county and state levels. Authorities said anyone with information can contact Det. Pierre Falaise at (973) 509-4717.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin also released a statement about the bomb threat in Montclair.

“The Office of the Attorney General is aware that several public libraries in Montclair were the targets of bomb threats on Sunday afternoon,” Platkin said. “Local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies are actively investigating this matter, and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Platkin said the threats coincided with a “Drag Story Hour” at the library’s main branch, part of a schedule of events to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month.

“Bias incidents are an affront to our values that honor the rich diversity of cultures, religions, and ideals,” Platkin said. “My office is committed to protecting the rights of all New Jerseyans to live free from the threat of hate and discrimination. Hate and violence have no place in New Jersey, especially the kind that makes people feel unsafe or threatened for who they are.”

PRIDE FLAG

In June, a pride flag was stolen after being raised on a pole near Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue/South Fullerton Avenue.

Members of local advocacy group Out Montclair said the flag is a "symbol of inclusion and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights," and decried its theft as a "hateful act."

• See Related: Theft Of LGBTQ Pride Flag In Montclair Is ‘Hateful Act,’ Group Says

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