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Threats reported at Jewish centers in Scottsdale and Tucson

Posted at 7:23 PM, Feb 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-28 00:46:37-05

Authorities are searching Jewish community centers in the Valley and Tucson after reports of threats were made Monday night.

Police in Scottsdale responded to the center on Scottsdale Road north of Cactus after it received a report of a vague threat by phone. Officers cleared the building and grounds before giving the all-clear to resume normal operations around 7:15 p.m.

A bomb threat was called into the Tucson Jewish Community Center around 6 p.m. A Tucson police spokesman told ABC15 sister station KGUN9 the threat was made against the center's parking lot.

Those inside were told to shelter in place and the department's bomb squad was called out to investigate. After a search, nothing suspicious was found and the all-clear was given.

Those inside at the time of the bomb threat sheltered in place during the investigation.

The threats come the same day a wave of similar calls were reported at Jewish centers and day schools in at least 12 states, including in Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

This is the second round of nationwide threats made against Jewish organizations and buildings this month. Last Monday 11 bomb threats were made and though none were in Arizona, local leaders said they were taking the situation seriously and urged those visiting Jewish locations to remain vigilant.