A comedian from Michigan, Nikolas Salemassi, was taken into custody on May 22, 2026 after a call that warned of pipe bombs at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio. The warning, delivered in a drunken state, sent stadium officials and local police into a rapid mobilization, only to discover that no explosives were present.
Salemassi’s threat referenced a specific time and location, prompting a swift FBI response. Agents traced the call to a phone number registered with the TextMe messaging app, which led them to a search warrant executed at the suspect’s mother’s residence in Trenton, Michigan.
Investigation and Aftermath
During the search, investigators found no trace of any bomb‑making materials or devices. Confronted with the evidence, Salemassi admitted that his statement was a reckless joke made while intoxicated. He issued an apology, emphasizing that there was no malicious intent behind the call.
The incident resulted in a criminal charge of making hoax threats, a federal offense that carries potential penalties including fines and imprisonment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led the investigation, declined to comment further on the ongoing case.
The episode underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat false bomb threats, even when they originate from what appears to be a prank. It also highlights the reach of modern communication platforms, as the threat was initially transmitted through a mobile app before being traced back to its source.