SAG-AFTRA buildings in L.A. and N.Y. evacuated after threatening phone call
SAG-AFTRA’s offices have been evacuated after a threatening phone call was made on Tuesday.
“Earlier today, SAG-AFTRA received a telephone threat of an attack targeting our Los Angeles and New York offices. We immediately notified law enforcement and they are on the scene investigating,” a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson said in a statement given to EW. “At the recommendation of law enforcement we evacuated our employees and at 12:50 p.m. PT made the decision to close our Los Angeles and New York offices for the day so the police can do a thorough sweep.”
“The safety of our members and staff is paramount and we are taking every precaution to effectively manage the situation as advised by the professional law enforcement representatives on site,” the statement continued. “We have no other information to share at this time.”
A representative for the LAPD confirmed a phone threat was made to a building on the 5700 block of Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles at approximately 12:04 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The rep said the investigation was ongoing and that a canine dog unit was en route. No further details were given.
SAG-AFTRA is comprised of approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and numerous other media professionals.
The news comes at a busy time of year for the organization, which puts on the Screen Actors Guild Awards every year. This year’s ceremony will take place on Sunday, Jan. 19. Robert De Niro is slated to receive this year’s Life Achievement Award.
Deadline was the first to report the news.
Related content:
