On Monday, Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy released a statement in response to a bomb threat directed at Motorkat during a planned drag brunch and storytime event on Saturday morning.
While the emailed bomb threat was determined to be not credible, the response and subsequent investigation led to the evacuation and temporary closure of Motorkat and 17 nearby businesses in Takoma Park.
Drag performer Tara Hoot was in the middle of a holiday brunch show at Motorkat when the evacuation order was issued, according to the Washington Blade.
Takoma Park and Montgomery County Police promptly responded to the threat, confirming that a thorough search of the 6900 block of Laurel Ave. did not uncover any credible threats in the area. However, Laura Barclay of Main Street Takoma said that the incident resulted in a significant loss of business before a major holiday. “All businesses were able to reopen later in the day, but lost a critical pre-holiday shopping/dining/service day which is so important to a small business,” Barclay said.
“During this holiday season, let us remember that we are one Takoma Park and must stand together and support one another during events such as this,” Mayor Searcy wrote in her statement.
The full text of Mayor Searcy’s statement is below:
On December 9th, Takoma Park restaurant, Motorkat, received an email potentially threatening the safety and well-being of its patrons. Motorkat and 17 other surrounding businesses were closed as law enforcement investigated the threat. After careful examination and diligent efforts by the Takoma Park Police Department and its partners, it was confirmed that there was not a credible threat to the area.
Although the threat was not credible, this bomb threat has sent a shockwave through our community. The City of Takoma Park is a welcoming community to all. We support and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike. The City of Takoma Park Police Department will continue to work with our LGBTQ+ community and families to ensure they feel safe when participating in events in Takoma Park.
I want to thank the Takoma Park Police Department and its partners for their investigation of the bomb threat. I also want to send my appreciation to the impacted businesses for your support during this challenging time. During this holiday season, let us remember that we are one Takoma Park and must stand together and support one another during events such as this.
Takoma Park Graphic