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Bomb threat phoned into Jewish Community Center, building was “safely evacuated”
Bomb threat phoned into Jewish Community Center, building was "safely evacuated"
WHITEFISH BAY -- A bomb threat was called into the Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay Monday morning, February 20th. This was one of several incidents involving Jewish Community Centers nationwide on Monday. Other threats and evacuations happened in St. Paul Minnesota, Birmingham, Alabama, Buffalo and Amherst, New York, Albuquerque, New Mexico and Houston, Texas.
This was the second time in less than a month that the JCC in Whitefish Bay was targeted.
The threat was called in at 10:08 a.m.
The Jewish Community Center posted on its Facebook page, Twitter account and its website that the facility was "safely evacuated."
A limited number of students were at the center because of the Presidents Day holiday. Other guests who were on site using the gym and pool facilities were also evacuated.
Police said the center was cleared by bomb sniffing dogs. The "all clear" was issued around 12:30 p.m. -- after the sweep of the building.
"We have to spend, not just days like this, but each day wondering, 'are they safe at their daycare?'" Matt Friedman, a parent from Fox Point said.
Friedman said he received a text message alerting him that the JCC was being evacuated. His 16-month-old daughter attends preschool at Jewish Beginnings.
"It`s terrifying. My wife and I are both at work and it`s hard to concentrate at work once you see the texts start coming in.To have your child threatened, there`s nothing worse. The big concern is what`s it going to take for something to be done about this," Friedman said.
Bomb threat at JCC in Whitefish Bay
JCC President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Shapiro issued the following statement:
On January 31st, the JCC received a bomb threat. That threat was consistent with threats made to other JCCs around the country at that time. Officials said the threat was deemed non-credible. Yet, through an abundance of caution, the JCC was safely evacuated on that date.
Jewish Community Center -- Bomb threat on January 31st
"I can`t say for sure, but the last time this happened, there were several threats throughout the country as well," Patrick Whitaker with the Whitefish Bay Police Department said.
Officials say this latest threat is similar to the January 31st threat. Federal authorities have been notified of the incident.
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.