A package with suspicious characteristics sparked a significant emergency response at the House of Israel in San Diego's Balboa Park. The package, reported early yesterday by Stephanie Nisan, the Vice President of the House of Israel, was eventually confirmed to contain no explosive materials. According to a 10News report, Nisan noticed the package around 9 a.m. while waiting for a pastry delivery, standing out with visible wires, prompting immediate action.
The San Diego Police Department, along with the Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) and the Bomb Squad, responded promptly to the call and conducted a water shot test to ensure the suspicious package's safety. During the investigation, sparked by the alarming appearance of the package, the surrounding area of the International Cottages in Balboa Park was closed, affecting multiple houses, per NBC San Diego. "We have a heightened sense of awareness at the House of Israel," Nisan told 10News. "This was very frightening ... This was 100% targeted."
Despite initial fears, the investigation, which included a comprehensive sweep for any additional packages, determined that the device was a hoax intended to incite fear but posed no physical threat to the public. As an added security measure, the SDPD’s Criminal Intelligence Unit is actively monitoring for any actionable intel regarding threats. It is expected to conduct additional patrols near places of worship across the city.
According to Lt. Geoffrey Decesari, the bomb squad conducted a water shot test on the package to ensure its safety. Following the procedure, the package was removed from the flagpole and further examined with X-rays, remaining under the "suspicious" label, as mentioned in a 10News interview. Security footage from the House of Israel shows an individual placing the package, which led to the full investigation by bomb squad authorities. "This is a very scary time for us," Nisan said, speaking to the fears provoked by this incident. "Nobody wants violence or drama."
With the device ultimately deemed a hoax, the area was reopened, but not without leaving a lingering concern for community safety. The SDPD encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact the Metro Arson Strike Team at 619-236-6815 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
