RPD: All clear given after bomb threats called in to Mayo, Lourdes High School

(ABC 6 News) – The Rochester Police Department said it is investigating a pair of bomb threats made to Mayo High School and Lourdes High School in Rochester Tuesday afternoon.

Police said calls like this were made to schools and universities across the state. At this time no credible threat was determined at Mayo or Lourdes.

Mayo High School got the call at 2:25 p.m. and Lourdes at 2:26 p.m, according to Rochester Police.

Both schools were evacuated.

Police brought in bomb dogs to investigate the threats, but there was no credible threat.

The Rochester Public School District released this statement and information:

Hello Mayo Families,

We have received the "all clear" and students will be returning to class. Thank you for your patience and understanding in times like these.

EARLIER:
Mayo Families,

We are currently evacuating Mayo High School out of an abundance of caution due to a threat that has been called into our school. We are working with District officials as well as the Rochester Police Department. Local law enforcement indicated that these calls are being made across the state at secondary schools and universities. We are following proper security precautions for this type of threat.

We will keep you updated on this matter as we learn more information that we can share.

Lourdes High School sent this communication to students, parents, and guardians in the district:

Good Afternoon,

We wanted to inform you that a bomb threat was called in late this afternoon. Lourdes Leadership acted swiftly by calling local authorities and evacuating the building of all students and staff. The Rochester Police Department K9 Unit and officers circulated Lourdes High School and no credible threat was detected. According to the Rochester Police Department, several universities and secondary schools across the state were victims of "Swatting," or the "false reporting of an emergency to public safety by a person for the intent of getting a response to a location where no emergency exists." Law enforcement will continue to investigate these local incidents. We have received an "all clear" and students and staff are safe to return to school tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding and prayers during this time.

Take Care,
Mary Spring
Principal
Lourdes High School

Police said the all-clear was given in both instances.

ABC 6 News checked with other schools in the area and both Albert Lea and Austin school districts say they did not receive bomb threats at any of their schools today.

This is a developing story. This article will be updated as additional information becomes available.