A bomb threat earlier today led to a substantial evacuation at the Christopher Columbus Campus in New York City. NYPD has reported that around 2,500 students and staff were urgently moved out of the school complex, which houses five separate schools, in response to the threat that was sent through a group chat. According to NBC New York, the evacuation was a precautionary measure taken after the threat materialized around 9 a.m this morning.
Due to the urgency of the incident, students and staff at Pelham Prep Academy, which is located within the Columbus Campus, were forced to quickly leave the premises, leaving behind all belongings, including their phones. The evacuation came as a consequence of New York City's bell-to-bell phone ban, which prohibits student access to phones during school hours, and, ironically, this left many unable to immediately contact their parents or guardians. This information was obtained in a statement where students expressed concern about the inability to communicate with family members during the incident, as reported in an interview with News 12 The Bronx.
After the establishment of a secure perimeter by NYPD, a thorough investigation was conducted by the department's Emergency Service Unit (ESU) and a K-9 unit, followed by the bomb squad. By noon, it appeared that students were beginning to return to the school, signaling an all-clear. A New York City Public Schools spokesperson affirmed the safety of the school community stating, “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. NYPD quickly investigated this threat, deemed it unfounded, and everyone is safe”, according to News 12 The Bronx. No injuries have been reported in relation to the incident.
The campus under threat is known to comprise several schools including The Collegiate Institute for Math and Science (CIMS), Bronxdale High School, Astor Collegiate Academy, the High School for Language and Innovation, and Pelham Preparatory Academy. The school authorities and NYPD managed to quickly and efficiently clear out the buildings, ensuring to keep all students and faculty accounted for and safe.
