Multiple Kohl’s department stores across Central Florida were the subject of hoax bomb threats sent to multiple local news organizations on Friday as part of a disturbing nationwide trend.
The Orlando Sentinel and WFTV-Channel 9 News received an email Friday afternoon from an unknown source stating that three local Kohl’s stores would be bombed.
The locations were the Kohl’s stores on Alafaya Trail in Orange County, John Young Parkway in Kissimmee and Deep Lake Road in Seminole County.
Orange and Osceola County sheriff’s offices first received word of the threats from Channel 9. Authorities in Orange County contacted Seminole County Sheriff’s Office to inform them of the threat within their jurisdiction.
None of the threats ultimately turned out to be true. The Orange and Seminole County sheriff’s offices responded and found no evidence of a genuine threat.
Multiple Kohl’s were the subject of similar threats in at least three other states: Kentucky, Indiana and Wisconsin. The latter state is the home to Kohl’s corporate headquarters.
Kohl’s, along with stores such as Target, was recently the subject of online backlash for its Pride Month merchandise, particularly over items intended for children.
The email itself claimed the hoax attacks were motivated by American imperialism overseas. There was no mention of why the Kohl’s brand was targeted in particular.
Authorities are still investigating the threats.
