Target stores in at least five states targeted by false bomb threats amid Pride backlash

Target stores in at least five states have been targeted by disturbing fake bomb threats amid backlash over LGBTQ+ Pride product decisions.

The retail giant’s market cap has plummeted by more than $15 billion in the wake of the Pride release, prompting the brand to withdraw some of its controversial products despite “threats” to its workforce.

But the decision to remove the items reportedly sparked bomb threats, with some reportedly saying that Target “betrayed the LGBTQ+ community.”

According to the Washington Postthe hoaxes were reported in Oklahoma, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Louisiana, though no explosives were found.

Several local news outlets have claimed to have received the threatening emails, claiming that bombs have been placed in their local Target stores.

This included Louisiana newscast KLFYwho reported that the hoax threat was motivated by backlash over Pride merchandise and company decisions to give in to the pressure.

“You betrayed the LGBTQ+ community,” the email said.

“You are pitiful cowards who bowed to the wishes of far-right extremists who want to wipe us out.

“We do not tolerate intolerance or indifference. If you are not with us, you are against us. That is why we have placed a bomb in each of your locations, evacuate now, as this is only to cause economic damage.’

Target’s Pride monthly products sparked outrage from some conservative groups

This was followed by another threat in Oklahoma where KFOR said they received an ominous message that began, “We’re going to play a game.”

The email included the addresses of multiple Target locations and added, “2 of these Target locations contained a bomb. We have hidden bombs in some product items.

“The bombs will explode in a few hours, guess which ones have the bombs. The clock is ticking.’

The message closed with “4/19/1995” – the same date of the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people and injured 680 others.

Target’s latest swimwear line included a label advertising its “crease-friendly construction” and “extra crotch” coverage

Target has long been publicizing its support for the LGBTQ community, spending $20 million in 2016 to add private, gender-neutral bathrooms to each of its stores

Target’s controversial product release also included LGBTQ+ children’s literature

Target has joined several other big brands, including Bud Light and Adidas, who are under scrutiny for their LGBTQ+ product releases.

Criticism initially came from conservative groups, who disagreed with items such as Target’s “pleat-friendly” female swimwear line.

Amid increasing calls for boycotts and plummeting profits, Target said it was removing some of its more unpopular items due to “volatile” complaints.

“Since the introduction of this year’s collection, we have faced threats that affect our team members’ sense of safety and well-being at work,” Target said in a statement.

“Given these volatile conditions, we are adjusting our plans, including removing items that were central to the most significant confrontation behavior,” said crisis communications manager Kayla Castaneda.

Many point to worker safety as the reason for the move, but many have attributed the decision to an effort to stem the financial fallout from the backlash. The brand’s market cap plummeted by at least $15 billion in the wake of its release.