Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation At Alexandria High School Campus

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City High School's King Street campus was evacuated Wednesday due to a threat report. Students will return to school on Thursday.

The King Street and Minnie Howard campuses had been under secure the building status starting at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday due to a threat reported by phone. At 2:25 p.m., the King Street campus was evacuated as Alexandria City Public Schools received a bomb threat.

At 2:45 p.m., secure the building status was lifted at the Minnie Howard Campus, which permitted students to leave based on dismissal procedures. Secure the building status meant no one is allowed to enter or leave the building, but the normal school day schedule continued inside.

At the King Street campus, students were evacuated to designated outside areas on Wednesday. ACPS sent buses early to the King Street and Minnie Horward campuses to facilitate the early dismissals. On Wednesday, all athletics, except some away games, were canceled at the campuses as well as student clubs and activities and community activities.

Families were asked to avoid visiting the campuses or follow Alexandria Police direction if picking up students on Wednesday. The Alexandria Fire and Police Department responded to the scene and are working with ACPS administrators.

According to Executive Principal Peter Balas, there appeared to be no "immediate credibility to this threat," prompting normal operations to return Thursday. Alexandria Police will continue the investigation.

Early dismissal will continue as scheduled at 1:15 p.m. Thursday and Friday for parent-teacher conferences.

Updates will be provided through Alexandria City Public Schools' website, email and social media.