764 Group Tied to Pasadena Hospital Bomb Threat

Investigators say the Pasadena hospital bomb threat that rattled Huntington Hospital on Friday was tied to the extremist group 764. The call sent police and fire crews into response mode early in the day and put a spotlight back on a network that authorities say has repeatedly fueled fear through swatting and other intimidation tactics.

A city spokesperson said the unidentified caller gave information during the threat call that could help investigators piece together what happened. Lisa Derderian said the caller identified the group they were with and described in detail what they claimed they were going to do. She also said the name was already familiar to law enforcement. No one was hurt in the incident, but Derderian said the disruption forced police and fire resources to shift toward the threat response. She added that officials would pursue criminal charges if investigators can identify the person or group behind the call.

The 764 group has drawn attention for using swatting calls and other malicious behavior to terrorize victims. The group has also been accused of blackmailing victims, often minors, into making false emergency calls and carrying out abusive acts against themselves or others. Authorities say members have caused chaos in the Los Angeles area and traumatized local children. One member, Bryant Najera Gonzalez, was arrested in Downey in February and charged with production of child pornography after allegedly making threats and demanding disturbing acts from a victim.