On November 30, 2025, at approximately 10:58 AM, the Fullerton Police Communications Center received a call reporting multiple bombs at a “St. Jude Hospital Child Research Center.”
For clarity, there is no St. Jude Child Research Center in the City of Fullerton.
Officers who were already at Providence St. Jude Medical Center on an unrelated call were immediately notified and began checking the area while awaiting additional resources.
Additional officers quickly responded and initiated a full investigation. The Fullerton Police Department deployed multiple resources to the hospital, including assistance from outside agencies and explosives-detection canines, to conduct a thorough and systematic search of the facility.
Officers worked closely with hospital administrators to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors throughout the incident.
No explosive devices were located and the hospital and roads has since been reopened.
This incident remains under investigation as detectives work to identify the source of the threatening call. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fullerton Police Department.
Here’s a summary of the criminal penalties the suspect could face if caught, including related charges that may stack:
False Bomb Threat (California Penal Code §148.1)
- Knowingly reporting a false bomb threat to law enforcement or emergency personnel
- Up to 1 year in county jail (misdemeanor)
- Or 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison (felony)
- Possible fines and restitution for emergency response costs.
- Maliciously communicating false bomb threat information to any person
- Same penalties as above: misdemeanor or felony.
Criminal Threats (California Penal Code §422)
- Applies if the suspect’s statements caused reasonable and sustained fear of death or great bodily injury.
- Misdemeanor:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Felony:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison
- Up to $10,000 fine
- Strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law
- +1 year enhancement if a dangerous weapon was involved.
New Law for Threats Against Hospitals (SB 19, effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Making threats of mass violence against medical facilities (even without naming a specific person) is now explicitly criminal.
- Penalties mirror Penal Code §422:
- Misdemeanor or felony, depending on circumstances
- Felony can mean up to 3 years in state prison.
Additional Consequences
- Restitution for costs of emergency response and hospital disruption
- Probation, counseling, and community service
- Federal charges possible if interstate communication or terrorism-related elements exist.