El Paso VA reopened after bomb threat found not credible

Aaron Martinez, El Paso Times
·2 min read

The El Paso VA main campus was cleared to reopen after it was shut down for several hours Friday afternoon due to a bomb threat, officials said.

The El Paso VA received a bomb threat about 1 p.m. at its main campus, located at 5001 Piedras Street, El Paso VA officials said.

Officials then ordered a full evacuation of the main campus building.

“Although our team believes this to be a non-credible threat, we are taking every precaution to ensure the safety and security of all who enter our doors,” El Paso VA Executive Director Froylan Garza said in a statement.

The El Paso VA Clinic located at 5001 Piedras St.
The El Paso VA Clinic located at 5001 Piedras St.

The El Paso VA Clinic canceled all appointments Friday afternoon as law enforcement officers responded to a bomb threat at the medical center.

Traffic attempting to enter the military gates leading to the VA was turned away Friday afternoon.

The Fort Bliss Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team, El Paso Police Department Bomb Squad, FBI El Paso and the El Paso VA Police investigated the threat, but found no threats to patients, staff or visitors, officials said.

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The El Paso VA was given the “all clear” about 4:40 p.m. to lift the evacuation order and resume normal operating hours, officials said.

No details were provided about the threat made to the El Paso VA.

FBI El Paso officials said they are investigating the threat.

“We will work with the United States Attorney’s Office to determine if a crime has been committed and hold responsible individuals accountable," FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey said in a statement. "It is our policy not to discuss details of ongoing investigations. Each and every potential threat brought to our attention is taken seriously. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that could represent a threat to public safety."

Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso VA reopened after bomb threat found not credible