The lockdown began before 1:30 p.m. and was lifted around 4:10 p.m., according to Wauwatosa police, who were on scene for more than three hours. Officers and security guards blocked parking and hospital entrances during the search, and the public was asked to avoid the area.

Police later confirmed the threat was not credible and said normal operations have resumed. The investigation into who made the threat is ongoing.

For families inside, the afternoon was frightening and disorienting. Janika Brooks, who was at the hospital for a doctor's appointment, said an announcement came over the intercom around 1 p.m. telling people to stay in their rooms. She learned the nature of the emergency from relatives, not from the hospital.

"I'm finding out from family members it's a bomb threat because they, you know, obviously try not to ensue panic," Brooks said.

She described her fear as officers moved through the building. "I was terrified. I was like, is it by us? Is it near us? Like, you know, I have my baby here. This is not how I want things to go," she said.

Law enforcement conducted a thorough sweep, checking rooms and other areas. "They came in our room checking, like under my bed, checking under everything, trying to see if we had anything in our room. Like they was checking everybody's rooms. So scary," Brooks said.

When the lockdown was lifted, relief rippled through the hospital. "They let us know we were no longer in lockdown, there was so many people cheering you could hear it from your room," one person said.

But unease lingered for some families, including Brooks, who said she has another appointment scheduled at the hospital Thursday. "We have to come here tomorrow too. Yeah. So I'm even more scared because she have another appointment," she said.

Another person added, "Hopefully there isn't a next time."

Brooks also questioned whether the hospital's security investments are paying off. "I'm just confused at how all that money got spent on the new security system, and for them to still not know if something got in the building or not. It's like going through TSA to get in here," she said.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of health care facilities, which must balance open access for patients and visitors against the need to protect people during emergencies. Hospital officials have not released further details about the sweep or any changes to security procedures.

Wauwatosa police continue to investigate the origin of the threat. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department.