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Hospital Increases Security After Gang Threat

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DUNN, N.C. — A hospital has upgraded security after receiving a threat authorities said was gang-related.

Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital officials were notified by the Dunn Police Department Friday afternoon that someone had made a threat against the hospital.

Hospital security implemented a safety plan to ensure patients, employees and visitors were safe, said Pam Tripp, the hospital's vice president of business development and support services.

Authorities didn't provide details about the threat but said it was related to a recent police shooting in which a black teen was killed.

Police tried to serve a warrant on Aug. 18 on 19-year-old Matthew Burriss in connection with a recent shooting. When officers arrived, Burriss came toward them with a gun and an officer opened fire and killed Burris, police said.

Some nearby residents dispute the police version of events, saying Burris was unarmed. They also maintain that Burris' shooting was racially motivated.

The State Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the incident.

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