Armed attack panic at children's hospital in the US: Large number of police dispatched

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

SWAT teams were dispatched to the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital in San Bernardino County, California, following reports of an armed attack. Authorities announced that the building was evacuated and a large number of people were cleared out following reports of a potential gunman in the hospital's emergency department. According to a statement from the Los Angeles police, entry and exit to the area were temporarily closed.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department stated in an announcement at 8:10 PM that the incident appeared to be a hoax and that there were no injuries or fatalities. Swatting is known as a form of harassment in which the perpetrator or perpetrators trigger emergency response teams with false reports.

EMERGENCY ALERT ISSUED TO STUDENTS

It was learned that a text message alert was sent to students on campus and in nearby medical buildings, stating: ''This is not a drill: Initiate protective actions immediately. If you encounter a threat, RUN, HIDE, FIGHT.'' Police teams closed the area to entry and exit, halting traffic.

According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital serves approximately 90 thousand patients annually with a 364-bed capacity. The hospital operated under the Loma Linda University Medical Center.

In photos and videos shared on social media, law enforcement vehicles and helicopters were seen heavily deployed in the area. Local residents stated that traffic was gridlocked on surrounding streets around 6:30 PM. Helicopter footage captured by KCAL9 showed people being evacuated from the hospital in a calm and orderly manner at 7:30 PM.

STATEMENT FROM HOSPITAL SPOKESPERSON

Loma Linda University Children's Hospital spokesperson Briana Pastorino stated in an announcement, 'Following a thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that there is no active threat on campus. Normal business operations have resumed.' Pastorino added that law enforcement would remain on campus to continue the investigation.

According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the Sheriff's Department reported in its initial statement at 6:40 PM that police officers were on the scene and were actively searching the hospital following reports of a potential gunman. Authorities urged citizens to stay away from the area and to use alternative routes around the hospital, located at 11234 Anderson Street in Loma Linda.

News Source: 12punto