Bomb threats lead to evacuations at Central Kentucky high school, university

Two large Central Kentucky campuses — one a university and another a Christian school — were evacuated Thursday after bomb threats.

Officials do not think the incidents were related based on information available shortly before noon.

Lexington Christian Academy

On Thursday morning, a bomb threat was called in at Lexington Christian Academy’s Rose Campus, which houses students in grades 6-12, said spokesperson Dan Koett.

Students were immediately evacuated to an offsite location, and no one was injured, Koett said.

“The Rose Campus was thoroughly swept by authorities, and we are relieved to report that the threat has been called off,” he said.

Lexington police Lt. Dillan Taylor said authorities were notified of the threat just after 8:30 a.m. Police searched the school, found nothing concerning, and gave the all-clear at 10:50 a.m.

“We take the safety of our students, faculty, and staff very seriously,” Koett said, “and we are grateful for the swift and calm response of our team, local law enforcement including Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt, who was onsite, the Lexington Division of Police, and University of Kentucky Police Department, as well as the Lexington Fire Department.

“As this is an active and ongoing investigation, LCA is unable to make any further comments at this time.”

Kentucky State University

Jessica Holman, spokesperson for Kentucky State University at Frankfort, said the college also received a bomb threat on Thursday morning, resulting in a campus-wide evacuation. The threat was received as a phone call around 8:20 a.m., the university said in a press release.

Following an investigation by law enforcement, no threat was found and the university issued an all-clear on Thursday afternoon, allowing students to return to campus.

Employees were sent home, and two locations were secured for students to evacuate. Employees were instructed to remain home on Thursday afternoon, with campus dining services set to resume at 4:30 p.m. All other campus operations will remain closed for the day, according to a Facebook post from the university.

Regular university operations will resume Friday morning, KSU said.

“On behalf of Kentucky State University, we are grateful to local and state law enforcement agencies, local and state officials, and the entire Frankfort community for their continued support,” said KSU President Koffi Akakpo.

The threat is being investigated by the KSU Police Department, the Frankfort Police Department and Kentucky State Police, and the investigation is ongoing.

“While there was no evidence of immediate danger, we continue to take every precaution to protect students, faculty, and staff,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “I want to assure everyone that we stand united against any acts meant to instill fear, and that the safety of our community is our highest priority.”

This story was originally published November 21, 2024 at 12:59 PM.