Wisconsin Targeted In Massive Bomb Threat Hoax: Reports

MILWAUKEE, WI -- Multiple bomb threats have been reported in the Metro Milwaukee area Thursday, authorities said. Bomb threats have been surfacing nationwide in what several police departments have called a hoax.

Officials say the Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center (WSIC) is currently monitoring a nationwide influx of email style bomb threats being sent to government and private sector entities across the state. Officials at the WSIC say they are unaware of any legitimate events resulting from the threats but is monitoring the situation closely. Versions of the emails do vary slightly.

On Thursday morning,the Waukesha County Sheriff Office was alerted by several businesses in Waukesha County that they received an email bomb threat.

The emails state that the suspects are working with others and there have been multiple bombs placed in various locations in the building. The recipient of the email is directed to pay money in the form of bitcoins in order keep the bombs from being detonated.

"We have investigated the calls we have received and none of them have been found to be
credible," sheriff's officials said.

In Ozaukee County, the Ozaukee County Sheriff's office was subject to a threat Thursday. The sheriff's building was evacuated, and local businesses were notified of the threat. Bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed to clear the building and surrounding area. .

If you receive any of these emails, local law enforcement officials recommend that you do not click on the link associated with the email and contact your local law enforcement agency.

Other Milwaukee-area threats have been reported on social media, but have not been immediately confirmed.

Bomb threats have also been emailed to businesses in Massachusetts, Orlando, Oklahoma, San Diego, San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale, according to multiple reports.

A bomb threat was reported at Columbine High School in Colorado, but the threat turned out to be unfounded, police said.

Another bomb threat was reported at a school in New York City, NBC reported.

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