Pennsbury High School On Secure Hold After Threat

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — Pennsbury High School was placed on a secure hold on Monday morning, school officials said.

Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith sent an email on Monday morning to the Pennsbury School District Community that the high school was placed in a secure hold due to a threat.

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Smith said that police were immediately notified.

School officials said they received a call at 7:55 a.m. on Monday from a California number who said they were on their way to Pennsbury East High School with an assault rifle and a pipe bomb.

"We understand that multiple high schools in the county received similar calls, and we believe this is a hoax or a swatting incident," school officials said.

Smith said that police will conduct a full search of the campus prior to students returning, including K9 units. The police have set up a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of students and staff.

As a precaution, Pennsbury High School will transition to asynchronous virtual instruction for Monday.

Unless otherwise informed, PHS after-school activities will continue as planned.

School officials anticipate a normal opening on Tuesday.

All other district schools are following a normal schedule.AP exams that were scheduled for today have been rescheduled.

"We would like to acknowledge the efforts of our staff, students, and administration during this challenging situation. They followed all directions and protocols in an orderly and calm manner," school officials. "We also would like to recognize the Falls Township and Lower Makefield Police for their quick action and guidance."

Other schools received similar threats on Monday.

A "swatting" call placed Conestoga High School on lockdown Monday morning, officials said. The lockdown was lifted within an hour after police confirmed the school was safe.