Bomb Scare At ‘Pesach’ Hotel

CBS4

A bomb threat to the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables early Monday morning was traced to the office of the resort’s own chef.

Coral Gables police said just before 5 a.m. a 911 call was made to the department’s police and fire communications center in which a man said there was a bomb in the hotel and ‘death to all Jews’ before hanging up.

Police were able to trace the call to the Biltmore where the hotel’s phone system indicated it had come from the Executive Chefs office. Hotel security surveillance revealed that 62-year-old Thomas Hudnall was in the area at the time the phone call was placed.

In talking with police Hudnall reportedly admitted to making the threat because he wanted the hotel to be evacuated so he could have the day off.

Police said Hudnall had no intent on harming anyone of the Jewish religion. Hudnall was was arrested and charged with false report of explosive/weapons of mass destruction and transported to the Miami-Dade County Jail.

Monday afternoon, the Biltmore Hotel released this statement through their spokeswoman Danielle Finnegan:

“The actions of Mr. Hudnall are deplorable; however it never posed any credible threat. The security of guests and employees of the Biltmore is paramount and operationally, we are equipped to deal with any situation.

“We work closely with the Coral Gables police department on matters pertaining to security and have assisted them throughout this incident. All employees at the Biltmore are put through a rigorous screening process and background check.

“Upon hiring Mr. Hudnall, the regular process was adhered to. During his employment, he faced no disciplinary action and was in good standing. We are shocked and saddened by his actions but are confident that it was an isolated situation.”