Bomb threat at Sault Michigan hospital linked to Russia (update)

4:50 p.m. update

War Memorial Hospital in Sault, Mich. has been given the all clear from law enforcement, according to a post on Facebook after an emailed bomb threat earlier this afternoon.

4 p.m. update

Law enforcement in Sault, Mich. continue to investigate a bomb threat emailed in to War Memorial Hospital earlier today.

In a post on Facebook at 4 p.m., War Memorial Hospital said "It has been reported that similar bomb threats are being received in dozens of cities across the country."

"Despite the threats lack of credibility, we continue to investigate and clear all areas and buildings of WMH for the safety of our patients and visitors," the post also read.

An earlier post from the hospital said that this is "day two of similar incidents at organizations in Michigan."

The earlier post also says that the emailed threat originated in Russia.

Other cities affected by threats include metro Atlanta, Boston and numerous other cities in Mass., among others.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Washington field office tweeted earlier this afternoon "we are aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities around the country, and we remain in touch with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities  which could represent a threat to public safety."

The email threat has also reportedly been distributed to Canadian cities as well.

An earlier release from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department follows:

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At 1:29 p.m. on Dec. 13, War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie received an emailed bomb threat.

A hospital representative immediately called 911 and city police officers were dispatched. With the assistance of the surrounding law enforcement agencies a perimeter was established stopping all traffic headed toward the hospital. The Michigan State Police bomb squad began their response.

Shortly after the perimeter was set up, Detective Darrell Harp learned that the hospital I.T. Director confirmed that the threat was a ransomware originating out of Russia. It was learned that there have been several of these types of threats at hospitals throughout Michigan in the past couple of days.

At this time the threat is not deemed as credible; however, all precautions are being taken.

Security was maintained while the hospital staff initiated their threats protocol.

While officers were posted at the entrances to the building, the streets surrounding the hospital were opened around 2:50 p.m. 

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