LMPD and federal agents investigate reported bomb threat at Norton Audubon Hospital, prompting access restrictions Thursday

Police response centers on Norton Audubon Hospital on Poplar Level Road

Louisville Metro Police and federal agents were investigating a reported bomb threat Thursday afternoon at Norton Audubon Hospital, leading to restricted access at the facility and an emergency response that affected patient transportation across the area.

LMPD said officers were dispatched at approximately 3:15 p.m. on March 5, 2026, after a threat was reported at the hospital on Poplar Level Road. Agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were also involved, working alongside the hospital’s security teams as the investigation unfolded.

Operational impacts included restricted entry and ambulance diversions

As the investigation continued into the late afternoon, hospital officials restricted access points, limiting how people could enter and exit the campus. The restrictions were in place while authorities assessed the report and coordinated security measures on-site.

MetroSafe communications indicated that ambulances were being diverted to other hospitals during the response, a step typically used to maintain emergency medical capacity while ensuring that incoming patients are routed away from a potentially unsafe location.

• Location: Norton Audubon Hospital, Poplar Level Road

• Initial police response: about 3:15 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026

• Agencies involved: Louisville Metro Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, alongside hospital security

• Immediate measures: restricted access points; ambulance diversions reported through MetroSafe

What is known and what remains unconfirmed

Authorities had not publicly released details about the origin of the reported threat, the method by which it was communicated, or whether any suspect had been identified. No public announcement had been made by late afternoon about the discovery of any explosive device or evidence supporting the threat.

Officials also did not immediately provide information on whether any evacuation occurred, whether patient care areas were relocated internally, or how long access restrictions and diversions were expected to remain in effect.

Hospitals are treated as critical infrastructure locations, and threat reports can trigger coordinated responses that include facility security, local law enforcement, and federal partners.

Public safety guidance during an active investigation

During investigations involving reported explosive threats, authorities often ask the public to avoid the immediate area to reduce congestion, preserve access for emergency vehicles, and allow security operations to proceed without interference. People seeking medical care may be routed to alternate facilities depending on conditions at the scene and regional hospital capacity.

The investigation remained active Thursday evening, with officials indicating additional updates were expected as more information became available.