11 June 2023 , 15:23
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Multiple Target stores were evacuated after the company was issued with terrifying bomb threats.
At least two stores in Oklahoma City, US, were sent threatening emails and were warned of three bombs being hidden at different stores.
The messages also said police would have to figure out which of the locations were being targeted, which caused two of the shops to evacuate customers and staff just after 5pm on Saturday.
The Oklahoma Police Department were notified of the emails and a bomb squad was dispatched to the stores.
According to police, the Target managers were told of the treat and had to decide whether to evacuate their customers or not.
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Multiple Target stores were evacuated (ABC 5)The motive behind the attack hasn't been revealed by cops, but similar threats have been issued across the country after the retail chain decided to remove or relocate the store's Pride Month collection.
A Target spokesperson said in a statement: "The safety of our team members and guests is our top priority.
"Law enforcement investigated claims regarding several stores in the Oklahoma City area today and determined these stores are safe. Our stores are currently open and operating regular hours."
The initial threats were "vague", according to police, but Sergeant Rob Robertson, from the Oklahoma City Police Department, said they took the messages seriously.
"Whether it's a hoax or not we have to take it seriously", he said.
Television channel KFOR confirmed it received the same threatening email as the store, which began by saying: "We are going to play a game."
The company was forced to call in the police after the bomb threat (Getty Images)The email referenced April 19,1995, which was the date of the Oklahoma City bombing which killed 168 people.
It also said two of the Target stores had bombs in them.
"We hid the bombs inside some product items. The bombs will detonate in several hours, guess which ones have the bombs. Time is ticking", the station reported the message said.
The store is one of many major brands facing a bigoted backlash for its promotion of LGBTQ+-friendly items during Pride Month.
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Some hate-filled customers have filmed themselves attacking the store displays and confronting Target employees.
Target were forced to downsize and relocate some of the merchandise so it was less prominent in their stores.
The company said: "Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year."
CEO Brian Cornell released a statement confirming the company had taken several items from the shelves which had "been at the centre of the most confrontational behaviour."
He said: "Since introducing this year's collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and wellbeing while at work,' the firm said in its statement.
"Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the centre of the most significant confrontational behaviour."