Several Target stores have reportedly received bomb threats involving its LGBT merchandise.
The Washington Post reported Target stores in Oklahoma, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Louisiana received threats. It noted the threats were similar to ones issued in Ohio, Utah, and Pennsylvania.
“In most instances, unknown individuals emailed the threats to local news outlets. The FBI and the regional Joint Terrorism Task Force have been assisting with the investigation in some jurisdictions,” The Post added.
Additionally, it noted law enforcement investigated the stores and decided they were safe.
The latest threats came after Target said it was removing some Pride-themed products in May.
At the time, the company stated, “Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing while at work.”
“Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior,” a spokesperson added.
However, The Post explains the latest bomb threats appear to be a backlash to the decision to pull the merchandise.
Local news outlet KLFY reported in Louisiana reported multiple news organizations received a bomb threat directed at Target stores.
The message stated, “You have betrayed the LGBTQ+ community.”
“You are pathetic cowards who bowed to the wishes of far right extremists who want to exterminate us,” it added.
Finally, the message read, “We will not tolerate intolerance nor indifference. If you are not with us then you are against us. That is why we placed a bomb in each of your locations, evacuate now as this is only to cause economic damage.”
The Post reported other stores have received similar bomb threats from people voicing disapproval of the decision to remove the Pride-themed merchandise.