By: Mario Mancini

A former employee of a major New York cancer hospital was arrested after allegedly sparking a bomb scare inside the facility, triggering a rapid police response and alarming patients and staff.

The incident unfolded Saturday afternoon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. As the NY Post reported, the man entered the hospital around 12:05 p.m. and began acting erratically while claiming he had an explosive device inside his bag.

According to the NY Post, the suspect — described by police sources as a disgruntled former employee and an emotionally disturbed individual — allegedly told people inside the building, “I have a bomb in my bag.” The alarming claim prompted hospital staff and security to immediately alert authorities.

Within minutes, officers from the New York Police Department responded, and the department’s bomb squad was dispatched to the hospital to assess the potential threat. As the NY Post reported, the situation quickly escalated into a major emergency response as officers secured the area and investigated the suspicious bag.

Police ultimately determined the threat was a hoax. According to the NY Post, bomb squad technicians inspected the bag and discovered it contained only a cement statue, not an explosive device.

Even though the device turned out to be harmless, the incident caused a major scare inside one of the country’s most prominent cancer hospitals. The sudden police response drew attention in the area and temporarily disrupted normal operations as authorities worked to ensure there was no real danger.

As the NY Post reported, the suspect was taken into custody at the scene after police confirmed there was no bomb. No injuries were reported during the incident, and there was no damage to the hospital facility.

Authorities have not yet released many details about the former employee’s identity or background. According to the NY Post, police sources said the man had previously worked at the hospital but it was not immediately clear when he left the institution or under what circumstances.

Officials also have not disclosed what motivated the threat. Investigators are still reviewing the situation to determine why the man allegedly made the claim and whether any additional charges may be filed.

Hospitals and other medical facilities are considered particularly sensitive locations when it comes to security threats, especially in a city as densely populated as New York. A bomb scare can trigger major emergency protocols due to the vulnerability of patients — many of whom may be undergoing treatment or unable to evacuate quickly.

As the NY Post reported, the hospital incident nevertheless ended without injuries after the bomb squad determined there was no explosive device involved.

The suspect is expected to face criminal charges connected to making the false bomb threat, though authorities have not yet publicly detailed the specific counts.