New Details Released Concerning Branford High Bomb Threat, Evacuation

BRANFORD, CT — Branford Police say that Branford High School is now safe to reopen after a bomb threat was called into the school, which led to an evacuation and the relocation of students to Walsh Intermediate School on Thursday. The high school students were also dismissed early.

In a statement, the Police Department said: “Branford Police, utilizing the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Bomb Squad have searched the Branford High School and it is safe to reopen.” said Chief Kevin Halloran. He continued, “There was an extremely well run coordinated effort with the School Superintendents office to ensure the safe evacuation of all students and staff.”

The police received information from the Superintendent’s office, just before 9 a.m. that a message was left on a High School office phone that an explosive device may be placed within the school facility, police said.

Superintendent of Schools, Hamlet Hernandez said, “It was a very carefully coordinated response to an unforeseen event. We were able to work closely with our Emergency Response partners to swiftly and safely mitigate this incident.”

An investigation to determine the caller’s identity will be conducted by the Branford Police Detective Division, police said.