Minor arrested at Salt Lake City International Airport for bomb threat

The Salt Lake City International Airport. Photo: Salt Lake City International Airport

The threat was deemed a hoax by authorities

SALT LAKE CITY — The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a Wyoming minor at the Salt Lake City International airport late last month who allegedly posted a bomb threat to social media.

According to a press release from the FBI, the investigation began on March 22 when the organization received a tip about a photo posted to social media of the inside of an airplane at the Salt Lake City International Airport captioned, “bomb has been planted.”

An investigation determined that the threat was a hoax, and the flight was not disrupted. The suspect was arrested on March 31 when he returned to the Salt Lake City International airport from his destination.

The FBI said that the threat was taken very seriously, and that it could have had devastating consequences for both the public and the perpetrator. The identity of the suspect will not be released due to his status as a minor.

The FBI warned that hoax threats disrupt schools and waste law enforcement resources. It also emphasized that posting these types of threats online is not a joke, and can have serious ramifications.

“Early intervention can prevent a situation from escalating. Remember, if you see something, say something,” said a press release from the FBI. “Hoax threats are not a joke, so think before you post! What Should You Do to Help?”

The FBI has asked that anyone who sees suspicious activity online or knows of a person planning to commit a violent act report it at 1-800-CALL-FBI.