A wave of bomb threats have been issued at Target stores across a number of states this weekend, leaving law enforcement scrambling to evacuate stores and investigate the sources of the threats.
The emails, which were sent to local media outlets, mostly accused the retail chain of betraying the LGBTQ+ community and naming specific stores. According to South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke, all stores involved have been deemed safe and returned to their regular business hours.
The threats come shortly after Target made adjustments to embrace the LGBT+ community, including the introduction of Pride Month clothing and gender–inclusive kids‘ clothing, whose sale caused a serious dent in their nearly $10B worth of sales. What‘s more, these decisions have proven unpopular to many, as evidenced by the stream of related protests that have taken place at select Target stores following the adjustments.
It appears that the bomb threats stem from these decisions and the aggravation of those protesting the LGBT+ friendly products and policies. This has once again caused a stir among those supporting the initiatives, as many are now starting to question the importance of seeking the best LGBT rating from the Human Rights Campaign when the potential risks of such action are so great.
Given the gravity of these bomb threats, officials have had to take the finesse route, requesting help from the FBI and the regional Joint Terrorism Task Force. Meanwhile, other companies are now beginning to observe the fallout of Target‘s decision and warn other potential companies of the possible consequences.
The restaurant chain Kellogg, for example, is now reportedly facing backlash for its recently announced plans to feature trans–friendly messages in its products and ads. Numerous groups have also declared their disapproval publicly, vowing to boycott the chain if it continues its plans.
Despite the protests and threats, Target‘s Chief Executive, Brian Cornell, has stood by his decision, expressing that the retail company will remain “inclusive and diverse,” hoping to spread inclusivity and promote diversity within its own ranks and beyond.
The backlash doesn‘t seem to hold any punches either. Even an apartment complex owned by Target has been picketed in the past, setting a stark reminder that the retail chain will continue to face an uphill battle as they strive for progress and justice in the LGBT+ community.
