Threats Received by Local Schools and a Church Prompt Precautionary Closures

This morning around 7:18, O’Hara Catholic School and Marist High School received another round of bomb threats. Grace Lutheran Church, 710 E. 17th Avenue, also received a threat. The two schools were the recipients of similar threats on Tuesday, January 6. All threats are related.

Eugene Police responded to search all locations. No devices were found and the schools were intending to reopen. Subsequently, additional threats were received and the schools were closed for the day as a precautionary measure.

The Eugene Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are handling the case jointly. The FBI became involved because of potential violations of federal civil rights and bomb threat laws.

To date, no actual devices have been found but potentially serious crimes—such as the possible violations of federal civil rights and bombing statues as well as violations of state disorderly conduct laws—have already occurred.

Bomb threats, even if they appear to be hoaxes, are taken seriously because of the potential threat to life and property. When threats are made, it is advisable for everyone to be especially alert to anything that appears suspicious or is out of the ordinary. It is important to know your area of ahead of time, know what is typical for your area, and to be aware of any changes. If you spot anything unusual, please report it to 9-1-1 and don’t go near the object.