The Gainesville Police Department said officers responded Sunday afternoon after a bomb threat was reported at the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, officers received a call at approximately 1:40 p.m. stating that a bomb threat had been called in to the zoo. Police said officers immediately responded to the area and evacuated the zoo as a precaution.
Police deemed the area safe
The Gainesville Police Department said the Denton Fire Department’s bomb squad also responded to assist in checking the area. After approximately two hours, officials said the area was deemed safe and officers cleared the scene.
Police said similar incidents have recently been reported at zoos across the country involving bomb threats or fake active shooter calls connected to what authorities described as a growing “swatting” trend. The Gainesville Police Department said swatting involves making false emergency calls intended to trigger a large police response at a targeted location.
According to the Gainesville Police Department, the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gainesville Police Department at 940-668-7777 or contact the Crimes Tip Hotline at 940-612-0000 to remain anonymous.
The Gainesville Police Department also noted that a complaint, arrest or indictment should not be considered evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.