Threat of violence prompts lockdown at Pasadena hospital; suspect arrested

A suspect was arrested after threatening violence against a Pasadena hospital, sending the facility into lockdown Friday night.

Pasadena police responded to Huntington Hospital in Pasadena where the facility, notably the emergency room area, went on lockdown for hours.  

A city spokesperson said the suspect, identified only as a 33-year-old man, was admitted to the hospital as a patient earlier in the day. After the man was discharged, he reportedly called the hospital around 2 p.m., threatening a violent attack.

Authorities did not release details but confirmed the incident was a legitimate threat and not a case of swatting. 

“Swatting” involves making a false threat or a prank call to emergency services in hopes of sending a large number of armed law enforcement personnel to a particular address.

The motive behind the threat remains unclear. Hospital staff received a text alerting them of a Code Silver threat indicating a possible active shooter or hostage situation. 

The suspect was later arrested by authorities in Los Angeles. Officials have not released his name.

During the lockdown, incoming ambulances were being diverted to other nearby hospitals. Patients and visitors were not permitted to enter during the lockdown.

Friday night’s incident follows two swatting situations that occurred earlier this week. 

On Wednesday night, dozens of heavily armed deputies swarmed Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital after a caller told officials he was planning on “shooting up” the San Bernardino County facility.

On Thursday night, a swatting call about an active shooter triggered a massive police response at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont.

Hospital officials released a statement on the incident saying, “Huntington Hospital received a threat today via phone to our facility. We immediately notified the Pasadena Police Department, which responded swiftly and has reported this individual is now in custody.”

Officials said the hospital was cleared and normal operations have resumed.

This developing story will be updated when more details become available.