11 bomb threats in Albuquerque linked to nationwide investigation
Local law enforcement agencies are investigating multiple bomb threats that were made Thursday morning and police say it’s part of a nationwide investigation.
The bomb threats were made via phone calls and emails and targeted hotels, businesses and hospitals across New Mexico.
"I think it is scary the bomb threats, it's like anywhere you go it's not safe," said Albuquerque resident Iveydel Natachu.
Albuquerque police confirmed that 11 bomb threats were made in the city, two of those at downtown hotels and one at a business on the 900 block of Pennsylvania NE. Police confirmed the Hyatt Hotel downtown was one of the many places that they’re investigating. Officers from Santa Fe, Artesia, Lovington and Roswell said bomb threats were made to multiple locations in their cities, as well.
"They said that if $20,000 worth of bitcoin wasn't transferred to this account than an explosion would happen," said Lindell Smith, the commander of the Artesia Police Department.
Two of the threats in Santa Fe were made at a Target and an office.
"We went to three locations in Santa Fe, based on what we were able to do we deemed that those threats were not credible at this time," said Santa Fe Deputy Chief of Police Ben Valdez.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it was aware of threats made across the United States and was investigating the threats that were made locally, and nationally.
The FBI released a statement saying:
“We are aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities around the country, and we remain in touch with our 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.”