Valley Children's Hospital lifted its lockdown after law enforcement found no threat on campus. Zara Arboleda said the lockdown at Valley Children's Hospital and across campus had been lifted based on guidance from law enforcement partners.
Arboleda said only the Main and Emergency Department entrances were open at that time. She also said the hospital would continue to have an increased law enforcement presence on campus while staff closely monitored the situation and supported patients, families and team members.
Madera police call at 11 a.m.
The lockdown began around 11 a.m. after Madera police received a threatening phone call from a man who said he was going to the hospital with a rifle and a bomb. Madera County Sheriff's deputies responded to the hospital, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter circled the area as authorities searched for any danger.
The Madera County Sheriff's Office said investigators believed the threats may have been intentionally fabricated. The office also said the investigation remained active and ongoing, even after the immediate danger had passed.
Madera County Sheriff's Office update
The sheriff's office said it treats every threat seriously and investigates each one thoroughly, whether or not it turns out to be credible. It said investigators remained committed to identifying whoever was responsible and holding that person accountable for the call.
For patients and families on campus, the practical change was immediate: the lockdown was over, but access remained limited to the Main and Emergency Department entrances while the law enforcement presence continued.
