Overview
FBI, DHS, and NCTC are warning the public of ongoing bomb threats by malicious actors targeting synagogues, Jewish community centers, schools, hospitals, airports, government buildings, and other public institutions in the United States. These actors threaten to detonate supposedly hidden explosives or commit violence against the recipients or their families.
To date, FBI, DHS, and NCTC have not identified explosive devices - real or otherwise - or actual attempts to cause explosions at locations associated with these threats. However, every threat or incident of a suspected explosive device should be considered valid until all reasonable precautions have been taken.
Details
Since 8 December 2023, the FBI has opened investigations on more than 100 separate threats targeting more than 1,000 institutions in 42 states and the District of Columbia. Many of these messages contain similar wording and were sent using publicly available encrypted email tools. The threats originate from multiple IP addresses, which are likely obscured using tools such as Virtual Private Networks.
The largest category of threatened institutions, over 400, are synagogues or Jewish community centers, followed by schools or school districts, and hospitals or hospital networks.
What To Do
If you believe you are the victim of a crime using these tactics, retain all information regarding the incident (such as usernames, email addresses, websites, or names of platforms, etc.) and immediately report it to one of the following:
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
- FBI virtual tipline at tips.fbi.gov
- Your nearest FBI Field Office www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices or 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
To help mitigate potential threats, DHS has compiled several resources for communities and faith leaders, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) compendium of resources for securing mass gatherings and public spaces. Training resources, services, and tools on bomb threats can be found on CISA's website: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/bombing-prevention. If You See Something, Say Something® - Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center. Reporting these crimes can help DHS, FBI, NCTC, and law enforcement identify malicious actors and prevent further incidents.