Prankster Threatens To 'Blow Up' Waukesha Women's Center: Police

WAUKESHA, WI—Waukesha Police were called after the Women's Center, 505 N East Ave., received an a call on Wednesday stating, "We will come blow up the center," according to the police log.

A person answering calls told Waukesha Police she received 10-37 calls similar to Tik Tok "Man in Charge" challenge, the police log said.

Users record videos of themselves calling random "feminist numbers" and asking for the man in charge.

The Women's Center of Waukesha County, which provides safety, shelter, and support to all impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking.

The log said the prankster called from three different numbers and changed their voice.

When the person who answered phones told them to stop calling they made a vague threat about blowing up the building, the log said.

There was no imminent threat to women's center safety or legitimate cause for concern. The manager did their own walk-through. Staff requested extra police checks during the evening.

Police made contact with one of the callers who admitted to prank calling the WWC. He refused to identify himself and stated he never made threats to blow up the building, the log said.

Angela Mancuso, executive director of The Women's Center in Waukesha, previously told Patch in July, the hotline serves as a critical lifeline for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Calls are clogging up the lines and not allowing for legitimate calls to come through, Mancuso said.

She said someone who has been traumatized, it can take a lot for them to feel safe enough to make that first call.

"That is what eats at me. If someone can't get through right away, they may not call back," she said.
She described the challenge participants as lacking consideration for people who have needs and who were traumatized.

"There is a lack of understanding that what they (social media app users) are doing is much bigger than getting a few laughs," she said.