FBI Deems Bomb, Shooting Threats At 2 Pittsburgh-Area Schools Hoaxes

GIBSONIA, PA — The bomb and shooting threats that forced the lockdown of the Pine-Richland School District high school and middle school campuses Friday were hoaxes, authorities said.

The FBI investigated and confirmed that both anonymous calls originated in Australia. Those calls look connected, according to district officials. The FBI and North Regional Police Department are continuing to fully investigate the source of the calls.

The first call was received at 9 a.m. and threatened that a bomb would be detonated in the parking lot. Police investigated and deemed the area safe.

A second call shortly before 11:30 a.m. threatened that a school shooting was imminent. The middle and high schools immediately went into lockdowns.

"We appreciate the swift response of our staff members, safety and security officers, and NRPD to ensure the safety of our students and staff," a message on the district website stated. "Continued training and the facilitation of drills in our schools helps to ensure that our responses are coordinated and effective."