Oahu man sent bomb threats after receiving divorce decision

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A 65-year-old man was sentenced to nearly six years in prison for sending bomb threats directed at institutions across the nation while he live on Oahu.

According to court records, Bryan Melvin Brandenburg, sent a number of bomb threats after receiving a decision in his divorce proceeding in a Utah state court in May 2022.

Brandenburg sent an email to two judicial employees and others threatening to bomb the state courthouse on May 4, 2022, the day he received the divorce decision.

He sent additional emails that day threatening to bomb the Utah State Capitol, the Mayor’s office in Salt Lake City, every Ivy League university, and the U.S. District Courthouse in San Diego.

Two days later, Brandenburg sent more emails threatening Hall Labs and the University of Utah Center for Medical Innovation, both in Utah.

The emails resulted in extensive security measures, evacuations, surveillance reviews, searches, diverting police officers to secure buildings and security briefings.

“When this type of incident is reported, it is always treated as a threat, and therefore drains

valuable resources from law enforcement and endangers the wellbeing of our communities,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill.

No bombing devices were ultimately found.

“Threats to cause harm, no matter if made over email or in person, will simply not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors. “Words have consequence, as demonstrated by this prosecution and the court’s sentence. Think before you speak, click send, or otherwise target someone in this manner – otherwise, we will hold you accountable under the law.”