LINCOLN CITY – A threat of a mass shooting cut short a concert Saturday night at the Lincoln City Cultural Center after police responded and evacuated the building.
Lincoln City police said Monday they got a call at 7:40 p.m. Saturday from someone threatening to commit a mass shooting during a concert by local musician Pat Magada.
Police first checked the outside of the building before investigating the inside and evacuating the estimated 100 concertgoers in small groups. After further investigation, police determined there was no danger to attendees.
Lincoln City police public information officer Torin Liden told the Lincoln Chronicle on Monday they had yet to determine a motive. Liden said officers are still investigating the incident and would release more information when the investigation is over.
Oregon has criminal statutes which address these incidents such as initiating a false report or disorderly conduct, police said in a news release Monday.
“Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and concern – and deep gratitude to the Lincoln City Police Department for the swift and professional response to last night’s (9/13) false alarm,” read a statement from the Cultural Center’s Facebook page. The post said the musicians, volunteers, staff, and attendees were all safe.
On Sunday, Magada recorded a video on his Facebook page that has over 2,000 followers and was shared through multiple community Facebook groups.
“Tonight somebody threatened to shoot up my concert and I’m still trying to process it,” Magada said. “… I’m not even surprised, things like this are just another day in America.”
Magada said he was struggling with the thought of anyone getting hurt at the concert.
“Whether you are left or right, it doesn’t matter – choose humanity,” Magada said. “I’m just glad everyone is safe.”
