A bomb threat is generally defined as a verbal threat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage or injuries, whether or not such a device actually exists. Typically delivered by phone, or other telecommunication means, the great majority of such threats are the result of pranks or other sociopathies. Criminal statutes typically dictate severe penalties for anyone convicted of such a crime.

Cookeville Regional Medical Center released the following statement concerning the incident.

At approximately 5:50 pm on July 21, 2008, the hospital operator received a call stating that there was a bomb in the ER bathroom. CRMC officials and the Cookeville Police Department conducted a thorough search of all bathrooms in the ER with negative results. An investigation of who may have made the bomb threat is underway and the perpetrator, when identified, will be prosecuted.