CT synagogue evacuated for reported bomb threat

A Hamden synagogue was evacuated on Thursday morning after receiving a bomb threat, police said.

Officers responded to Congregation Mishkan Israel at 785 Ridge Road around 9:50 a.m. for a report of a bomb threat. The threat was received via email, according to the Hamden Police Department, and the building was evacuated.

Congregation Mishkan Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in Connecticut.

The New Haven Police Department Hazardous Device Team, along with Hamden detectives, were also called to the scene, police said. The Hazardous Device Team searched the building and did not find any evidence of explosives inside the synagogue.

Hamden police said they have increased patrols in the area. According to police, there is no danger at this time.

In recent months, several Jewish facilities nationwide received similar threats originating from the same e-mail address, police said. The FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force was contacted to investigate the origin of the e-mail.

“We would like to thank the New Haven Police Department Hazardous Device Team for their assistance during this incident,” Hamden Sgt. Angela Vey said in a release on Thursday.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Gabe Garcia at 203-230-4000 or ggarcia@hamdenpd.com.