Woman Pleads Guilty to Fake Bomb Threat Against Boston Children’s Hospital
In August 2022, Catherine Leavy admitted to making a false bomb threat against Boston Children’s Hospital, a facility renowned for its pioneering surgical program for transgender youth. The hospital had been grappling with a series of threats and harassment, which added to the gravity of the situation.
Guilty Plea and Legal Consequences
Last year, Catherine Leavy was arrested at her residence in Westfield, Massachusetts. Recently, she stood before a Boston federal court and pleaded guilty to the charges, including making a false bomb threat. Her sentencing is scheduled for March, and she faces a potential maximum prison term of 10 years for the most severe charge.
Defense Attorney’s Silence
Catherine Leavy’s defense attorney, Forest O’Neill-Greenberg, remained tight-lipped and did not provide immediate comments or responses via email.
The Background of Threats and Harassment
This fake bomb threat occurred in August 2022, a time when Boston Children’s Hospital was under a constant barrage of threats and harassment. The hospital had initiated the nation’s first pediatric and adolescent transgender health program, which sparked controversy and attention from far-right social media accounts, news outlets, and bloggers. This exposure began after informational YouTube videos about surgical offerings for transgender patients were published by the hospital.
The False Bomb Threat
The anonymous caller conveyed a chilling message to the hospital, saying, “There is a bomb on the way to the hospital, you better evacuate everybody you sickos.” This threat prompted a lockdown of the hospital, although no explosives were discovered.
Leavy’s Initial Denial and Admission
Initially, Catherine Leavy denied any involvement in making the threat when questioned by FBI agents. However, upon being presented with phone records linking her to the threat, she confessed but insisted that she had no actual intent to harm the hospital. During the interview, court documents suggest that she expressed disapproval of the hospital on multiple occasions.
A Disturbing Trend
Boston Children’s Hospital is not alone in facing such threats. Numerous institutions providing medical care to transgender children have become targets for threats. In response, medical associations nationwide have increased security measures and collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.