Kentucky schools, including one Lexington elementary, subjected to threats
A Lexington elementary school was evacuated after receiving a bomb threat Thursday morning, according to Fayette County Public Schools spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith.
The evacuation happened at Glendover Elementary School which is located in a neighborhood just off Tates Creek Road. Davidson-Smith said officials received an anonymous call about a possible bomb threat at the school and evacuated students and staff from the building.
Officials have since cleared the building and learning activities have resumed, according to Davidson-Smith. Students and staff were moved to a safe location while officials investigated the school.
“We take all reports of potential threats seriously and work quickly to protect our students and staff members as well as secure our buildings and property,” Davidson-Smith said.
The Lexington Police Department assisted in clearing the building by providing a canine unit but the investigation is being handled by Fayette County Public Schools police, said Lt. Jesse Palmer with LPD. Lexington Fire Department District Major Derek Roberts said the fire department responded and assisted at the scene.
Afternoon pre-school has been canceled for Thursday, Davidson-Smith said.
Madison Southern High School, Kingston Elementary receive threats
Madison Southern High School and Kingston Elementary School were subjected to threats as well Thursday, according to the Berea Police Department and Madison County Schools.
Kingston Elementary School officials received a mysterious call and evacuated the building. Officials don’t believe the school is in any danger but students and staff were sent to Church on the Rock as a precaution.
The building has since been cleared and students and staff were scheduled to reenter the building at 1 p.m., according to a Facebook post from the school.
“We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we dealt with some unusual circumstances today,” Kingston elementary said in a Facebook post. “We cannot brag enough on how everyone came together to keep our students and staff safe and well cared for.”
Berea police said they believe the threat at Madison Southern High School was also a false alarm. The school was never placed on lockdown. Berea police said federal authorities have been contacted about the multiple threats across Kentucky.
“Federal agencies including Homeland Security are aware of the threat calls that are occurring within the state,” Berea police said in a Facebook post.
The school received a threat towards students and police officers, according to Berea police. Investigators determined that the threat was a swatting incident.
”We will have an increased police presence at school for the remainder of the day and will continue to remain extra vigilant while following our safety procedures and protocols,” Madison Southern High School said in a Facebook post.
Swatting is a term used for calls to 911 about fake emergencies. In April 2022, a new bill was signed into law that made some swatting offenses a class D felony.
Prison sentences for a class D felony in Kentucky range from one to five years.
Offenses under the Kentucky statute for falsely reporting an incident can be considered a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the nature of the offense.
Rockcastle County elementary school also receives a threat
Brodhead Elementary School in Rockcastle County was also evacuated Thursday after receiving a false threat, according to Rockcastle County Schools.
Kentucky State Police investigated the school and found no credible threat, according to Rockcastle County Schools. Students and staff have since returned to the building.
Katie Anderson, a spokesperson for the FBI, said the agency is aware of the hoax reports across the state. The FBI does not have information about a specific and credible threat but encouraged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.
“The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk, causes undue stress and fear to the public, and wastes valuable law enforcement resources,” Anderson said.
This story was originally published March 21, 2024 at 11:30 AM.
