The Fullerton Police Department is currently investigating a bomb threat at Providence St. Jude Medical Center.
On April 13, 2026, at approximately 2:05 PM, the Fullerton Police Department received a report of a suspicious phone call claiming there was a bomb in the hospital parking lot.
Officers immediately responded and initiated an investigation, which included a brief shelter-in-place as a precaution.
Multiple resources were deployed, including assistance from outside agencies and explosives-detection canines, to conduct a thorough search of the area.
After an extensive search, no explosive devices were located in or around the hospital.
Officers worked closely with hospital staff to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and employees throughout the incident.
The scene is now being cleared, and the hospital will resume normal operations.
This incident remains under active investigation as detectives work to identify the source of the call.
Recent History of Threats at St. Jude
- November 13, 2025: A threat specifically targeted the hospital’s Emergency Room around 5:00 p.m., leading to a partial evacuation while bomb-detection dogs searched the facility. This was part of a larger series of threats made the same day against four local schools: Troy High, Fullerton Union High, Sunny Hills High, and Fern Drive Elementary.
- November 30, 2025: A second threat occurred just a few weeks later. A caller reported “multiple bombs” at a “St. Jude Hospital Child Research Center”—a facility that does not actually exist in Fullerton. Police already on-site for an unrelated matter responded immediately, and several nearby roads were closed during the sweep before the area was cleared.
In both prior cases, no explosives were found, and the calls were deemed non-credible. Detectives have been working to identify the source of these repeated threats.
California State Penalties
Depending on the severity and the person’s criminal history, this offense is often a “wobbler,” meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony:
- Felony Charges: Can result in up to 3 years in state prison.
- Misdemeanor Charges: Can lead to up to 1 year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000.
- Restitution: A judge can order the defendant to pay for the full cost of the emergency response, including the deployment of police, bomb squads, and medical personnel.
- Criminal Threats: If the threat was meant to intimidate specific people, it could also be charged under Penal Code 422, which carries an additional 3-year prison sentence and a “strike” on the person’s record.
Federal Penalties
Because hospital bomb threats often involve the use of phone lines or the internet (interstate commerce), federal authorities like the FBI may also prosecute. 1
- Prison Time: Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 844(e)) allows for up to 5 years in federal prison for a false bomb threat.
- Injury Enhancements: If someone is injured as a result of the hoax (such as during a frantic evacuation), the penalty can increase to 20 years.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize that these hoaxes are not considered “jokes” because they divert critical resources away from real emergencies.