UPDATE: A 36-year-old man from Salisbury, Massachusetts has been arrested for making a series of alarming bomb threats online. Scott Merchant was taken into custody without incident at 12:45 p.m. today, following a coordinated effort involving local police and the FBI Boston special agents.
Authorities reported that Merchant used a social media platform to issue these threats, which prompted an urgent investigation due to their serious nature. The Salisbury Police Department received critical information from the FBI this morning about ongoing threats involving explosives and firearms.
Upon his arrest, Merchant was brought to the Newburyport District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of making a bomb threat and threatening to commit murder. Following the arraignment, the judge ordered him to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday. Additionally, Merchant is set to undergo a competency examination to assess his ability to stand trial.
Local law enforcement has stated there is currently no threat to the public, but they continue to investigate the incident thoroughly. As the situation develops, police are urging anyone with further information to come forward.
Officials have not disclosed further details regarding the nature of the threats or the specific social media platform used. Merchant’s lawyer has yet to respond to requests for comment.
This case highlights the serious implications of online threats and the swift action taken by law enforcement to ensure community safety. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold.
