3 juveniles arrested in connection with previous bomb threats as William Allen HS receives threat for 3rd consecutive day | Allentown Area

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Three days of bomb threats at William Allen High School have disrupted classes and triggered repeated emergency responses.

Three juveniles face charges in connection with two of the threats from this week.

Officials say this is the seventh threat in 2026 in the Allentown School District, with six of those happening at William Allen.

Thursday, school and city leaders explained the toll these incidents are taking, and what they want to see change.

“Three bomb threats in three days is completely unacceptable,” Superintendent Carol Birks said.

Three straight days of threats have left William Allen High School repeatedly clearing its halls and interrupting class.

The district says students have lost two half-days of instruction this week.

“Our students were saying to us that this is very frustrating. They’re very sad; they want to learn,” Birks said. “They don’t want people to believe that their school is unsafe, and they want their peers to stop it.”

Every threat triggers a major emergency response.

“I’m talking police, fire, EMS, and additional canines from other jurisdictions to help us clear a building that’s as large as Allen High School. That is impactful,” Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca said.

Three juveniles face felony terroristic threats charges in connection with Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s incidents.

“Not only will you be looking at life-impacting charges upon conviction, but you will look at an expense not just for you, but your family,” Roca said.

The Lehigh County district attorney says he intends to seek repayment for the emergency response cost.

“We can then ask the judge to impose a restitution of tens of thousands of dollars for the amount of money that it costs the city, the school district and the county,” DA Gavin Holihan said. “That money will come from you as a juvenile or your family.”

While arrests have been made in two of those cases, Thursday’s threat remains under investigation.

“To the students, I’m pleading with you, please knock it off,” Mayor Matt Tuerk says.

“If you know your child is going through something that’s likely to lead to stupidity like this. Intervene, because we will prosecute,” DA Holihan says.

School leaders say they’re reviewing their response to the incidents and are urging families to talk with their children about the consequences of making threats.

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