Full Breakdown
Bomb Threat Forces Evacuation of Huntington Hospital in Pasadena
8/9/2026, 4:37:07 AM
Core Event: Threat and Hospital Closure
Early Friday morning, Huntington Hospital in Pasadena received a bomb threat call that claimed multiple explosive devices were placed throughout the facility and that two suspects were en route in a stolen vehicle. The caller identified himself as a member of the extremist online group 764. Police were alerted at approximately 5:40 a.m., prompting an immediate evacuation and the suspension of normal services.
Law-Enforcement Response
Pasadena Police Department established a command post in a nearby business’s parking lot, deployed multiple K-9 units, and worked with hospital security to secure all entrances. The Pasadena Fire Department remained on standby. Officers searched all publicly accessible areas of the hospital and found no explosive devices. Incoming emergency traffic was diverted to other local hospitals as a precaution. By shortly after 9 a.m., police announced that the incident had been cleared and the hospital was declared safe.
Official Statements
Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian described the incident as “very disruptive” and noted that it diverted valuable law-enforcement and fire-response resources. A city spokesperson confirmed the timing of the threat and that the hospital was not placed on lockdown. The hospital issued a statement saying it received the all-clear from law-enforcement, resumed normal operations, and thanked staff, patients, and visitors for their cooperation.
Background on Group 764 and Swatting Trend
Authorities said the group is also known for “swatting,” the practice of making false emergency calls to trigger armed police responses. Southern California has experienced prior swatting incidents targeting hospitals, including an April bomb threat at Southern California Hospital in Culver City that was similarly resolved without finding any devices.
Impact and Aftermath
No injuries were reported, and the hospital resumed services within hours. The episode highlighted the strain such false threats place on emergency responders and underscored ongoing concerns about online extremist groups exploiting emergency-services protocols.
