Bomb Threat Called Into Highland Park School For 2nd Day In A Row

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A bomb threat Friday morning forced elementary school students in Highland Park to evacuate their classrooms for the second day in row.

Red Oak Elementary School students have been relocated to West Ridge Center, according to city and school district officials.

"We urge you to avoid coming to the school or relocation site at this time," district officials said, in a message to parents, pledging to soon provide further information regarding pickup and dismissal.

"Sherwood students and staff are remaining indoors as a precaution," it said. "All other schools are operating as normal."

Friday's evacuation follows a Thursday morning threat at the same school, which police determined was unfounded, according to a statement from city officials.

“Subsequent investigation indicates that similar emails threatening other public buildings across the country were sent to a number of organizations nationwide within the same timeframe,” it said.

“Given that these threats were sent to a number of organizations simultaneously, at this time no definitive motivation can be established.”

Libs of TikTok is a popular anti-LGBT social media account founded by Brooklyn real estate agent Chaya Raichik.

Last month, multiple schools, libraries and health centers faced unfounded bomb threats after being featured by Raichik's account on social media.

And last week, the account posted an image of a rainbow flag hanging in a school classroom.

"Why would Red Oak elementary school (Highland Park, IL) have a massive progress pride flag hanging above students’ heads all day?" it said.

The Sept. 15 post was seen about 600,000 times on Twitter/X and liked more than 7,000 times on Instagram.

Shortly after 2 p.m., city officials announced in a statement that the school had been cleared of any threat.

"A search of Red Oak School, including the use of dogs trained in bomb detection, has been completed," it said. "No credible threat was found."

Officials explained in a follow-up message that a law enforcement agency in another state contacted Highland Park police to say they got a report of an email suggesting a bomb threat to "Red Oak School" without specifying a location in Highland Park.

"Although the September 22 threat was not specific to Red Oak School in Highland Park, Illinois, the partner agency shared the threat out of an abundance of caution. As with the bomb threat on September 21, three other entities received a bomb threat pertaining to Red Oak School. This remains an active, ongoing investigation," it said.

"Additionally, the City has received multiple reports of a viral social media post that includes a photograph of a Red Oak School classroom. Law enforcement is investigating reported concerns, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to work to protect public safety."

Superintendent Mike Lubelfeld acknowledged receiving multiple reports from community members alleging connections between the threats and social media posts.

"School districts and public libraries around the nation have been victimized by non-credible threats. This is disturbing, anxiety-producing, and frustrating," Lubelfeld said in a message to parents. "This is happening, though, and I want to assure you that we are preparing for emergencies proactively and reactively. This is a nationwide crisis."