Holy Spirit Catholic School Evacuated After Hoax Calls In Rochester, MN

ROCHESTER, MN — Students and staff at Holy Spirit Catholic School were evacuated Thursday morning after police say the building and Rochester Catholic Schools’ central office received "concerning phone calls."

Rochester Police Department officers responded to the school at 5455 50th Avenue Northwest around 9 a.m. Sept. 4. After investigating, law enforcement determined there were no credible threats in the area.

Police said the incident was consistent with "swatting" calls that have targeted educational institutions across the country. Preliminary findings indicate Thursday’s calls did not originate in Minnesota.

"RPD takes all threats seriously and remains committed to the safety of our community, our schools and places of worship," the department said in a statement.

Emergency Management, Rochester Fire, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service also responded to the scene out of an abundance of caution.

The incident came less than a week after the deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, which left two children dead and more than 20 people injured.

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