ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Two 14-year-olds have been charged with terroristic threats after a bomb threat was made at a high school in Allentown on Thursday.
At approximately 11:29 a.m., the Allentown police department, fire department and EMS responded to William Allen High School for a report of a bomb threat, according to a news release from the police.
School officials initiated lockdown procedures for the duration of the incident and parents were notified, according to responders.
Police say no bombs or other explosive materials were found during the search of the building and school grounds.
Police identified and located two 14-year-old students that were involved in the incident.
Based on the investigation, the two boys have been charged with Terroristic Threats, according to the news release.
This investigation remains ongoing and there is no immediate threat to the community at this time.
According to a statement from Allentown School District, anyone found responsible for making false threats will face severe disciplinary and legal consequences. Disciplinary responses at the school level may result in removing a student from the school community, including but not limited to long-term out-of-school suspension, alternative educational placement, or expulsion.
Officials say in Pennsylvania, making a false report of a bomb threat is a felony offense.
“Our top priorities are always the safety and well-being of our learning community. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their swift response, to our staff and students for following established safety procedures, and to our families for their patience and understanding, but we want to make it clear that these kinds of threats are absolutely unacceptable,” said Chief Operations Officer Dr. Robert Whartenby. “We ask families to recognize the magnitude of these actions and to remind their children that any threat of violence is taken seriously. Every false report diverts critical public safety resources and disrupts learning for thousands of students.”
The district says it will continue to review and strengthen its crisis response and communications procedures as part of its ongoing commitment to Safety & Whole-Child Development.
Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to report safety concerns through the Safe2Say Something tip line by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY or visiting the Safe2Say website.
In cases of emergency, please dial 9-1-1.