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.

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. 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.

PHS students who were bused to Charles Boehm Middle School will be transported home beginning at 9:30 am. on Monday, school officials said.

Parent pickup for PHS students who are currently at Charles Boehm will be at the bus dock/gym lobby. Parent pick-up of PHS students in the building will take place at East, on the gymnasium side, and at Keller Hall West.

Student drivers and walkers will be dismissed from the high school at 9:20 am.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this challenging situation," school officials said.

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.