The Islamic Center near 73rd and Pinkney streets has reopened after the Omaha Police Department found no threat with bags left inside the lobby Tuesday morning.
According to the Omaha Police Department, the potential threat was called in at about 9:30 a.m.
#OPD Bomb unit checking into suspicious bags left behind at the Islamic Center near 73rd and Pinkney. 73rd closed between Pinkney and Pratt
— Omaha Police Dept. (@OmahaPolice) February 14, 2017
Saleh Qulei, a board member for the Islamic Center of Omaha, says a man walked into the center and left some suitcases behind. He says police were called when the man didn't return after a few minutes.
Already on edge with tensions happening nationally and internally concerning the Islamic and refugee communities, Qulei says they took the situation seriously.
"He left the baggage inside the property and that makes us more suspicious," he said. "We just want to be very cautious."
The bomb unit was called to investigate the scene and set up a command center on 73rd Street. Officers also established a perimeter at Pratt and Pinkney streets, blocking off the roads.
Omaha police were able to contact the owner of the bags, who returned to claim the suitcases. The man told investigators he had just returned from a trip and wanted to leave his suitcases at the Center instead of lugging them around.
Investigators say the suitcases were searched and no items of explosive nature were located.
No evacuations were made during the investigation.
Large police presence near Islamic Center in Omaha. Perimeter set up a block away from center @action3news pic.twitter.com/ITPbR2y1Py
— Megan Stewart (@MstewartKMTV) February 14, 2017
