Law enforcement experts say such threats are common and tend to ramp up around major social events, such as a national election. Other spikes in reports of suspicious bags or items happen in the wake of a major incident, such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, when authorities were inundated by reports from the newly vigilant public.
Even if the reports appear to be a hoax at first glance, authorities say they can't take chances and have to investigate each one, which involves clearing a building and bringing in explosive-sniffing dogs.
The revelation brought a range of responses, from the requisite internet snark - 'Maybe he had a test that he hadn't studied for?' - to open-mouthed shock of City Hall and LAPD staffers who said in private conversations that the allegations didn't square with the man they knew.
LAPD records show the department has investigated scores of bomb threats at government offices, schools, and sports arenas, including at least 144 cases in which police found an explosive device.
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