Pomona’s Big Bridges Auditorium Evacuated Due to Bomb Threat Targeting Shen Yun

Police officers outside Big Bridges.

At 9:33 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, students at the Claremont Colleges received a notification from the consortium’s emergency notification system warning of a “potential building safety issue” at Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium, commonly known as Big Bridges. The message told students to “avoid the area.” The building was being evacuated due to a bomb threat, though nearby campus buildings and operations were unaffected.

The historic auditorium, which seats nearly 2,500 and has hosted a number of prominent speakers and musical artists, was hosting the 18th global tour of Shen Yun Performing Arts, or Shen Yun, for performances over Cesar Chavez weekend. 

Shen Yun company vehicles and buses which had been parked behind the auditorium were moved to nearby streets and parking lots. Shen Yun performers, musicians, and staff, as well as ushers, valets, and other staff hired for the occasion waited outside, scattered around Pomona’s south campus. Campus Safety and security personnel hired for the performances were seen speaking to Pomona staff. An hour after the original message, a second message warned that the “safety issue” was still ongoing and that the area should be avoided.

A handful of Claremont Police Department vehicles arrived on campus, and blocked access to College Way and E. 4th St. from Bonita Ave., though people were free to walk around the auditorium, including on College Way.

A Campus Safety officer informed the Independent that Shen Yun had received a bomb threat, causing the response. CPD and Campus Safety initiated a sweep of the 60,000 square foot building.

At 11:25 a.m., another notification told students “The building safety issue is still ongoing and should be resolved soon.” Around 12:00 p.m., authorities gave the all clear, and a 12:17pm notification informed students that the “issue has been resolved.” Shen Yun’s 2:00pm performance proceeded without incident.

Shen Yun, known for its ubiquitous colorful advertising, is operated by Falun Gong, a Chinese religious movement founded in the 1990s known for its opposition to the Chinese Communist Party, homosexuality, evolution theory, and modern medicine. Shen Yun advertises itself as showing “China before Communism.” Falun Gong has been accused of being abusive and exploitative of its members and performers. The group is banned and faces repression in China. 

Shen Yun performances frequently receive bomb threats, including one at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center in February. The Chinese government has also forced the cancellation of performances abroad. 

Shen Yun did not respond to a request for comment on this story.

The bomb threat at Big Bridges comes nearly three weeks after a hoax phone call led to significant police intervention at Claremont McKenna College and a shelter-in-place order for the Claremont Colleges Consortium.