A generic email was sent to multiple locations across the country, including at least five places in Buffalo and one in Niagara County, threatening a bomb would be set off unless a ransom was paid in bitcoin.

The University at Buffalo South Campus, Catholic Health, the Ellicott Building, a private business and the law offices of Lipsitz, Green, Scime and Cambria were among those targeted.

Niagara County Community College in Sanborn and Niagara University in Lewiston also received the threat.

Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo said the New York State Police, FBI, Erie County Sheriff’s Office and NFTA Police all were involved in the investigations.

One employee who evacuated the Ellicott Square building described everything that happened.

“As soon as I walked down to the street there were cops walking up and down the street and all the sides of the streets were blocked off with cop cars,” said Meghan Hughes. “I saw a couple of vans that said Homeland Security. I said this is not a fire drill, it’s probably a bomb threat.”

The FBI released a statement, saying  the agency is “aware of the recent bomb threats made in cities around the country, and we remain in touch with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance.  As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.”