'Several' Email Threats Land In Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL — Several of the email bomb threats making their way to computers and mobile phones around the country landed in Sarasota on Thursday, according to the Sarasota Police Department.

"The Sarasota Police Department is currently investigating several email bomb threats received concerning businesses in the city of Sarasota," confirmed the department's Genevieve Judge.

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"So far, no devices have been found," she said, adding that all of the Sarasota cases appear to be connected to similar threats around the U.S. See also Bomb Threats Emailed Nationwide Demanding Bitcoin Payment

The FBI confirmed bomb threats were sent nationwide Thursday afternoon demanding cryptocurrency payments. The threats were emailed to businesses, colleges and news outlets, though none have been deemed credible. Several law enforcement agencies, including the New York Police Department, confirmed the email had been sent to numerous locations. No devices have been found.

Bomb threats were reported in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Georgia, Oklahoma, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa and California.

"The Sarasota Police Department does not believe the public is in danger but are working with law enforcement partners to share and investigate these threats thoroughly," added Judge.

Anyone who received an email threat should contact their local law
enforcement agency.

Cryptocurrency coins — Litecoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum — via Shutterstock