William Allen High School receives bomb threat for 3rd day in a row Thursday | State

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – William Allen High School received a bomb threat for the third day in a row Thursday, prompting the school’s evacuation, Allentown School District spokesperson Melissa Reese said.

Also, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old are being charged with terroristic threats, a felony, in connection with Wednesday’s bomb threat, the Allentown Police Department said in a news release.

School leaders have worked with the Allentown Fire Department and the Allentown Police Department to thoroughly investigate and have determined that there is no ongoing threat to the school community, the district said Thursday in a message to parents.

The district said the students were evacuated from the school but have since returned to class.

The school continues to work with the Allentown Police Department to identify the person who made the threat Thursday and will pursue all appropriate legal action to ensure the person is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, the district said in its message to parents.

The Allentown Police Department said anyone with information should call the Criminal Investigations Division at 610-437-7721.

“We are grateful to the Allentown Police Department, Allentown Fire Department, our Safety and Security Team, and staff for their swift response and adherence to safety procedures,” the district said.

Police said no credible threat was found Wednesday. In a message sent to parents Wednesday, the district said the person who made Wednesday’s threat was identified and is not an Allentown School District student.

According to investigators, a 16-year-old was charged in connection with a threat made on Tuesday.

The school even received a threat on the first day of the year. 

The district said it encourages anyone with safety concerns to use its Anonymous Tip Line at 1-844-SAF2SAY or safe2saypa.org (available 24/7). In emergencies, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Every tip is thoroughly investigated, and students are urged to report credible or suspected threats with as much detail as possible, the district said.

“This school year, the Allentown School District has experienced multiple incidents in which students have made false threats, resulting in significant disruptions to learning and distress across our schools. These incidents have diverted valuable time, attention, and resources away from learning and teaching, impacting students, families, and staff throughout our community,” the district said in its message to parents. 

“The Allentown School District will not tolerate any threat, whether verbal, written, electronic, or shared through social media, that disrupts the learning environment or endangers the safety of our schools. We encourage you to review the Pennsylvania law, the Allentown School District’s policy, Terroristic Threats, and the Allentown School District’s Code of Conduct with your child.”

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, (R) 16th District, voted in favor of a bill that would come with harsher penalties for making threats, like these. He said it would allow judges to order those making the threats to pay for the cost of first responders.