Exclusive details: Multiple bomb threats reported in WNC in recent weeks
Forest City police investigate third bomb threat this week at Lowe's and Walmart as multiple law enforcement agencies respond
In recent weeks, Western North Carolina has seen a series of bomb threats, with multiple incidents sparking widespread concern among local communities. Law enforcement agencies are investigating these threats, which have put significant strain on emergency response teams and raised questions about safety protocols. Authorities are urging the public to stay alert as they continue to gather information and assess the potential risks linked to these alarming events.
This week, Forest City in Rutherford County has seen a surge in bomb threats, with three separate incidents reported just days apart. Two threats targeted Lowe’s locations, one on March 9 and one yesterday, while another bomb threat was reported at Walmart. These businesses, located across from each other, are situated in a busy part of town with multiple nearby shops and restaurants, adding to the urgency of the situation. The two big box stores and surrounding businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
In addition to the Forest City threats, there was an evacuation of a Walmart in Shelby, Cleveland County. While no official police announcements have been made in that case that I’ve seen, photos and videos shared on social media clearly showed an evacuation.
As the investigation continues in Forest City, authorities are being supported by bomb squads and personnel from neighboring counties. Rutherford County does not have a bomb squad.
A Closer Look at Recent Bomb Threats
In February in McDowell County, located about 30 minutes north of Forest City, also faced two bomb threats on Feb. 7 and Feb. 17 targeting the county courthouse. Those threats led to the arrest of Christopher Jaren Forney, 30, of Marion on Feb. 19. Forney was released and allegedly committed another unrelated crime on March 10. Authorities were looking for the second suspect they identified in that case, David Russell Cash, 28, of Marion. He was taken into custody on Feb. 25.
McDowell County and Rutherford County share the same district attorney, Ted Bell.
Forest City Response and Federal Assistance
Forest City’s law enforcement and multiple local and federal agencies have responded swiftly to the threats. The Forest City Police Department has been working alongside the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Gastonia Police Department Bomb Squad, the Spindale Police Department, and several others.
“We want to thank the following agencies for their assistance: Gastonia Police Department Bomb Squad, Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, Spindale Police Department, Rutherfordton Police Department, Gaston County Sheriff's Office, Greenville County Sheriff's Office, Henderson County Sheriff's Office, Rutherford County EMS, Forest City Fire Department, Rutherford County Traffic Control, ATF, NCSBI, Rutherford County Emergency Management, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force,” said Forest City Police Chief Chris LeRoy in a statement on Nixle.
No Credible Threat Found
After conducting a thorough investigation, law enforcement has concluded that no credible threats or bombs were found at the Forest City Lowe’s or Walmart locations.
“We are currently following up on leads and will release more information to the public when we can so as not to compromise our investigation,” LeRoy said.
While anonymous bomb threats often turn out to be hoaxes, law enforcement takes each threat seriously. With multiple bomb squads and emergency teams responding, authorities are continuing to ensure the safety of the public.
“Bomb threats involve any communication that indicates the presence of, or intent to detonate an explosive device. While these threats can be connected to actual acts of violence in which explosives are used, they are increasingly used as a tactic to disrupt, distract, or harass locations or organizations. The operational, financial, and psychological impacts that bomb threats can have on a location, an organization, an event, a community, and personnel can be dangerous and costly, even if no explosive device is present,” the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said on its website.
This remains a developing story. Cops & Congress will provide updates as more details become available.
Opinion & Analysis: Cops & Congress Commentary
See Something, Say Something — Stay Armed and Alert
In recent days, the string of bomb threats in western North Carolina has brought an unsettling reality to our doorstep. A threat, whether real or a hoax, is a direct assault on our safety, our peace of mind, and the fabric of daily life. From Lowe's to Walmart, these threats disrupt businesses, create chaos, and challenge the law enforcement community. But more than that, they raise critical questions about the state of our society and how we should respond to such dangers.
It’s time we all take a hard look at what bomb threats mean in today’s world. These aren’t just empty calls made for attention. They are deliberate acts meant to instill fear, tie up resources, and remind us of the vulnerability that exists even in our most mundane routines. These threats say something about the times we live in—whether fueled by ideological motives, revenge, or simply a desire to cause chaos, they reveal a lack of respect for the lives they impact.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to practice vigilance. "See something, say something" is not just a catchy slogan—it’s a vital principle for safeguarding our communities. If you see something suspicious, if you hear something unsettling, don’t remain silent. Let law enforcement handle it; it’s their job, and they are trained for these situations. But the first step is recognizing a threat and acting quickly.
Furthermore, we must remain armed—not just with weapons, but with awareness. I’m not talking about carrying firearms at all times, although there are certainly valid arguments for that. Instead, we should be armed with the knowledge of our surroundings, the confidence to act in moments of crisis, and the common sense to stay prepared. This doesn't mean paranoia; it means being proactive and smart. Pay attention to unusual behavior or circumstances in public spaces. If you notice something odd, don’t hesitate to report it.
As for law enforcement, they must be ready for these threats, no matter how many times they turn out to be false alarms. Their job is not just to investigate the physical evidence but to reassure us, even when things feel uncertain. But they can’t do it alone. It’s a two-way street. The community must be vigilant, supportive, and above all, willing to act when needed. It’s time for all of us to be more alert, more engaged, and more proactive in protecting what matters.
Bomb threats aren’t going away anytime soon. They’re a reflection of societal instability and the growing frustration of individuals who think creating chaos is the answer. We, however, have the power to combat it. By staying alert, reporting suspicious activity, and supporting our law enforcement, we can reduce the impact of these disruptions on our daily lives. In the end, it’s up to each of us to help ensure our communities remain safe and strong.
🏛️ All those mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Annie, thanks for keeping us informed. This is an act of pure hatred & terrorism. I pray they catch these ‘sick tickets’ & lock them up for good.