Queens Public Library Flushing Branch in Queens, New York, has received five bomb threats from September 19 to October 1, sparking emergency evacuations and service interruptions. Although all threats were deemed not credible, the incidents have raised concerns about safety in the community.
According to the Queens Eagle, the Queens Public Library stated that the threats occurred on September 19, 20, 21, 24, and October 1. The police have not disclosed the specific contents of the threats nor provided information about the motives behind them.
The most recent threat on October 1 led to the urgent evacuation of the Flushing Library. Around 1 p.m. that day, security informed arriving visitors that the library was closed. New York City officers put up a cordon, blocking access to the library, with a crowd of people gathering outside.
A man, who declined to provide his name, told the Queens Eagle that he was inside the library when the staff asked everyone to leave. He mentioned that it was the second time that week he had experienced an evacuation at the library.
Subsequently, the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit and Counterterrorism Bureau personnel arrived on the scene to conduct an inspection inside the building.
A library spokesperson stated that after receiving the threats, they immediately alerted the police and evacuated the building. Following a thorough search by law enforcement, the building was confirmed to be safe, and the threats were deemed not credible, leading to the library’s reopening.
The NYC Police Department emphasized that each threat is taken seriously, with assessments and investigations conducted based on specific circumstances, and necessary resources deployed to ensure public safety. However, they refused to disclose further details about individual incidents.
The Flushing Library is one of the busiest libraries in the United States, with an average daily footfall of five thousand people.
Sandra Ung, Vice Leader of the New York City Council and Council Member for Flushing, released a statement on October 2 condemning the false bomb threats for instilling unnecessary fear and anxiety in the community, disrupting essential services, and greatly affecting the dedicated library staff who serve residents daily. Such behavior is unacceptable.
Ung expressed that the Flushing Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is the center of residents’ lives and cultural activities. Every time such threats occur, her office is promptly informed of the situation. She thanked the NYPD for their response to each threat and ensuring facility safety, while also appreciating the library staff for continuing to serve the community in challenging circumstances.
Ung stressed the utmost importance of ensuring the safety of library readers and staff while holding those responsible accountable.