Sacramento police, FBI investigating threat referencing Run to Feed the Hungry

Sacramento police and the FBI are investigating a bomb threat that referenced the 2023 Run to Feed the Hungry. The fundraiser for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services draws tens of thousands of people every year. The FBI said in an update Wednesday that it doubts the credibility of the threat. It was received by police via email on Nov. 13. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increase in police presence at the run on Thanksgiving. The Sacramento Police Department is also implementing enhanced safety measures and security for the event. In a statement sent to KCRA 3, Police Chief Kathy Lester said, “The safety of all participants and spectators at Run to Feed the Hungry is a top priority. Our federal law enforcement partners are actively and assertively investigating the threatening remarks contained in the email, we are implementing measures to enhance the safety and security of the event.”Police did not release any specific information about the person who sent the email threat.“The FBI is deeply committed to the safety of the community. Although we currently doubt the credibility of this threat, we will partner with the Sacramento Police Department at The Run to Feed the Hungry,” Special Agent in Charge Sean Ragan, who leads the FBI Sacramento Field Office, said in an updated statement released Wednesday. “As we ask with any large-scale event, we urge the public to be vigilant and report any concerns to event security and law enforcement immediately. Together we can protect our community and all present along the course.”Blake Young, president & CEO of the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, said, “Our hope is to still be able to host Run to Feed the Hungry as an in-person event, and the Sacramento Police Department has committed to having an increased presence on Thanksgiving Day. The safety of our staff, volunteers, participants and community is our top priority, so we will only proceed in person if we believe we can operate the event securely. We will continue to provide additional information as we receive it.” The run serves as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the food bank. The run is scheduled to take place on Nov. 23. People can also join virtually if they’re not able to participate in person.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | See KCRA Investigates coverage here.