Authorities have given the all-clear at both Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (MMCSC) in Lakewood and Community Medical Center in Toms River after simultaneous bomb threats prompted sweeping evacuations and emergency responses Tuesday afternoon.
Both hospitals received threatening messages from an individual reported to be upset over Community Medical Center’s visitation policies. The caller, described as having a Middle Eastern-sounding accent, claimed that explosive devices had been planted inside the facilities. Law enforcement immediately launched coordinated searches of both campuses, diverting ambulances and patients while teams worked to secure the buildings.
Following comprehensive sweeps, officials confirmed that no explosive devices were found and operations at both hospitals have resumed normal function.
The suspect — described as approximately 5’8”, with olive skin and wearing a black-and-white head scarf — remains at large. Local police departments, county investigators, and federal authorities, including the FBI, are now assisting in an active search to locate the individual and determine the credibility and motivations behind the threats.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist the investigation.
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