Safety and Security Recent Incidents: July 29

A roundup of recent headlines in the safety and security industry.

Bomb Threat Closes Two Miami YMCAs

A bomb threat posted on Facebook forced the evacuation and closure of the Piqua and Robinson Branches of the Miami County YMCA. 

The facilities were both cleared and authorities were called after the aquatics director at the Robinson Branch saw the threat on the social media site. The threat did not specify a particular branch. 

Police thoroughly searched each branch, including all of the lockers, and found no evidence of a bomb in either facility. 

The facilities both planned to re-open later that day once the threat was gone. 

[Daily Call]

Cincinnati Reds Fan Runs Onto Field and Eludes Security, Turns Himself in to Police

A Cincinnati Reds fan ran on to the field at Great American Ballpark, filming himself during his run on the field, and was able to escape security officials by jumping over the outfield fence and running out of the stadium.

The fan had posted on social media before pulling the stunt, telling his friends to "stay tuned," and then posted the video he took while running on the field on social media sites. 

Police were trying to track down the fan via his social media when the fan ended up turning himself in to police. 

Justin Buchanan was arrested after turning himself into officials and was charged with criminal trespassing. 

[SB Nation]

Barcelona, Athletic and RFEF face fines over Copa del Rey final

Barcelona are facing a €66,000 fine as a result of security breaches and unacceptable fan behavior during the Copa del Rey Final at the Camp Nou. 

The anti-violence commission of the country's sports council said that, before Barca's 3-1 triumph over Athletic Bilbao on May 30, some fans from both the Catalan and Basque sides "whistled the national anthem and his majesty the king (King Felipe VI, patron of the Copa)."

The commission issued a €60,000 penalty that is pending as punishment for the security violations along with a further €6,000 for Barca's failure to stop a group of supporters from turning "a sporting event into a stage for political demands through intolerant acts."  

Athletic and the Spanish Football Federation also face punishments. Each group has a right to contest the charges before a final ruling is made.

[ESPN] 

Power Failure at Nats Park Caused by Faulty Circuit Breaker

The power failure that occurred at Nationals Park during their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers was determined to be caused by a faulty circuit breaker, according to the Nationals organization. 

The Nationals issued a statement regarding the issue.

"Our initial investigation indicates the power failure at Nationals Park last night was caused by a faulty circuit breaker. It was replaced shortly after midnight and the lights were tested throughout the night with no additional outages. While we believe we have identified and corrected the issue, additional tests are being conducted by the manufacturer of the field lighting system."

The game had to be stopped and play resumed the next day.

[WUSA 9]

Islamic State Threat: Isis Plotting to Use Drones to Bomb Crowds at Major British Events

Counter-terrorism experts believe Isis wants to use drones to carry explosive devices that would be dropped on large crowds at popular sporting and cultural gatherings in Britain. 

A counter-terrorism source said: "Islamist plotters have been trying to launch a drone-borne bomb attack for some time, as these machines are getting more hi-tech every year." 

This source says Isis is obsessed with recreating the horror of September 11th and also wants to film these proposed attacks to create propaganda videos. 

It is thought that Isis members would be prone to target open-air music festivals and Premiere League football venues where large amounts of people would be gathered. 

According to Colonel Richard Kemp, who has advised the Government on terrorism, "There is a genuine threat from Islamists wishing to deliver high explosives by drone to crowded areas. The effects could be devastating."

[The Daily Express]

Police Fire at Car in Paris Square Ahead of Tour de France 

Police in France are searching for the driver of a vehicle that tried to crash through a security barrier that was set up for the Tour de France. 

Officers opened fire on the car, but the suspect drove away and the vehicle was later found abandoned. 

According to officers, the vehicle first hit a parked car then tried to pass through the barrier that had been set up for the final stage of the Tour de France. 

Two men and two women were reported to have been seen leaving the car and officers don't believe that this was an incident involving terrorism. 

[BBC]