UPDATE: Authorities issued an “all clear” at 4:40 p.m. and the El Paso Main Campus is resuming normal operations.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso VA Main Campus in Central El Paso received a bomb threat at about 1 p.m. Friday afternoon, March 24.
A full evacuation of the main building, at 5001 Piedreas, was done, and the Fort Bliss Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, the El Paso Police Department Bomb Squad, the FBI and the VA Police all responded.
“Although our team believes this to be a non-credible threat, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety and security of all who enter our doors,” said Froylan Garza, El Paso VA Executive Director.
The FBI sent out the following statement that it is trying to determine if a crime was committee.
“We will work with the United States Attorney’s Office to determine if a crime has been committed and hold responsible individuals accountable,” said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey. “It is our policy not to discuss details of ongoing investigations. Each and every potential threat brought to our attention is taken seriously. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that could represent a threat to public safety.”
Earlier our KTSM 9 News crew saw El Paso police, military police and the bomb squad arrive at the facility.
The El Paso VA tweeted earlier Friday, stating first that there would be delays for people with appointments and then all appointments being canceled for the day.
The investigation is continuing.
