An anonymous bomb threat posted to a private Facebook group used by the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck military community prompted police, Thursday, to evacuate and search the Undecided Bar, located about 100 yards from Grafenwoehr’s Gate 1. (Alicia Brocuglio/U.S. Army)
An anonymous bomb threat posted to a private Facebook group used by the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck military community prompted police to evacuate and search a bar frequented by U.S. service members, according to local authorities.
The business, located about 100 yards from Grafenwoehr’s Gate 1, temporarily closed Thursday after police were notified of the threat, detective Holger Jodlbauer with Eschenbach police told Stars and Stripes on Friday.
Investigators evacuated and thoroughly searched the facility but found no suspicious objects or indications of an actual threat, authorities said.
“Sometimes people post something on the internet, but they are not aware of the serious consequences that can follow,” said the detective, adding that the threat may have been posted from America.
Undecided Bar, the business targeted by the threat, said it treated the incident seriously but believed it stemmed from “malicious gossip and false information.”
In a statement posted to Instagram, the bar said local businesses in Grafenwoehr have long dealt with anonymous online rumors and slander, but that the bomb threat “crossed a serious line.”
The post, reviewed by Stars and Stripes, was shared in a Facebook group called “Graf/Vilseck Uncensored Anonymous Vents,” which describes itself as having “absolutely NO admins.” The private group has more than 8,000 members, many of whom appear to belong to the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck military community.
Police said they are trying to identify the post’s author on suspicion of “disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit criminal acts.” The post has since been removed.
Authorities said they found no evidence of any danger to local residents or U.S. service members.
“We encourage all service members, family members, and community members to use social media responsibly and thoughtfully,” Kayla Overton, a spokesperson for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria said in an email to Stars and Stripes on Friday.
“If someone becomes aware of a potential threat or emergency, report it directly to the appropriate authorities. This ensures a timely and effective response and helps keep our community safe.”
Army guidance states that soldiers and family members are personally responsible for what they post online and that threatening or harassing communications may violate military regulations or federal law.
Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this article.
