Huntington Hospital in Pasadena Reopens After Bomb Threat From Extremist Group

Key Takeaways

• A bomb threat was called in to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena at around 5:49 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7.
• The threat came from an extremist group known to law enforcement, according to city spokesperson Lisa Derderian.
• Police, firefighters and bomb-sniffing K-9 units searched the hospital before giving the all-clear at about 9 a.m.
• Hospital operations resumed after the facility was secured and no explosive device was found.

A Disruptive Morning at Huntington Hospital

Huntington Hospital in Pasadena became the target of a bomb threat on the morning of Friday, Aug. 7, triggering a large law enforcement response. The call came in around 5:49 a.m., according to Lisa Derderian, a spokesperson for the city of Pasadena. Derderian described the caller as an extremist group known to authorities, but additional details were not immediately released. The Los Angeles Times later reported that the threat was linked to a violent extremist group.

The hospital diverted emergency traffic while officers, firefighters and bomb-sniffing dogs searched the facility. The Pasadena Police Department led the operation, working to clear and secure the building. During the search, the hospital remained open to staff and patients, though emergency routes were rerouted.

All-Clear and Community Reaction

By around 9 a.m., the Pasadena Police Department announced the hospital had been evacuated and secured, and the all-clear was given. The hospital later reopened and resumed normal operations.

Residents in the area expressed relief that the threat turned out to be a hoax, but also frustration. Dayan Rosen, a local resident, told ABC7: "What are we doing? Like it's just crazy. You know, people have just got to be doing something better with their time. That's just a crazy thing to do. There are sick people there. We all got to go to the hospital at some point. Can we just go there in peace?"

Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian also expressed frustration, saying, "It's unfortunate that these groups call in threats and cost others thousands of dollars."

Local Context in Pasadena

Huntington Hospital is a major medical center in Pasadena, serving the western San Gabriel Valley and parts of Los Angeles County. The bomb threat forced a temporary closure of emergency services, a disruption that could have affected patient care. The quick response by Pasadena police and partner agencies helped minimize the impact, and the hospital was able to resume normal operations within a few hours.

Background on Hospital Security Threats

Bomb threats against hospitals are relatively uncommon but not unprecedented. Hospitals are sensitive locations, and law enforcement treats any such threat with a high level of urgency. In recent years, similar hoax threats have disrupted medical facilities across the country, prompting renewed focus on security protocols and rapid response procedures.

Conclusion

The bomb threat at Huntington Hospital turned out to be a false alarm, but it highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick coordination between police, fire and hospital staff. While no one was injured and no device was found, the incident caused significant disruption for patients and staff. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the investigation is ongoing.

Sources and Materials

• abc7
• cbsnews
• nbclosangeles