Multiple Target stores in Oklahoma City were evacuated over the weekend following bomb threats related to the store’s Pride Month collection.
The threats involved emails sent to local media stations and municipal agencies, which included warnings of three hidden bombs at different Target locations.
The police were notified of the threats and immediately alerted Target managers, but it was ultimately left up to them to decide whether or not to evacuate the stores.
At least two stores were subsequently evacuated shortly after 5 pm on Saturday, just after the threatening emails were received.
Despite bomb squads being alerted to the threats, they were never deployed.
Police have not yet confirmed a motive for the threats, but similar incidents have occurred across the country in response to Target’s decision to remove or relocate its Pride Month collection.
The initial threats were described as vague, but Sergeant Rob Robertson of the Oklahoma City Police Department stressed that they must be taken seriously.
One of the emails sent to KFOR television began with the statement: “We are going to play a game.”
It then referenced the Oklahoma City bombing of April 19, 1995, before claiming that two of the Target stores had bombs inside product items that would detonate in several hours.
Target has faced backlash for its promotion of LGBTQ-friendly items during Pride Month.
Customers were especially upset by the extensive Pride line, which included clothing for children and swimsuits advertised as having “extra crotch coverage” and room for “tucking.”
Following the backlash, Target’s CEO announced that the company was removing some of the more controversial items from its shelves.
In late May, some customers opposed to the line filmed themselves attacking LGBTQ Pride displays and confronting employees in Target stores.
The company held an emergency meeting and decided to downsize and relocate some Pride merchandise so that it was less visible in stores.
In response, over 200 LGBTQ groups and progressive organizations signed a statement asking Target and other businesses to reject and speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ extremism going into Pride Month.
The statement insisted that supporting the LGBTQ community is good for business and that there is no such thing as neutrality when it comes to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Those supporting the boycott were labeled “extremists,” with the coalition arguing that their goal is to prevent LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation, silence allies, and make the community invisible.
The groups suggested that they would continue to support Target and any other corporation that rejects criticism and that businesses can leverage the support of LGBTQ+ organizations to navigate hate and let extremists know unequivocally that fear will not win.
A spokesperson for Target released a statement assuring customers that the stores in Oklahoma City that received bomb threats were safe and open for regular hours.
The safety of team members and guests is a top priority, and law enforcement investigated claims regarding several stores in the area.
Target has faced significant losses in market capitalization in recent weeks, with its stock downgraded by JPMorgan.
Despite this, the company remains committed to moving forward with its continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as it celebrates Pride Month and throughout the year.
