Lakeville North and Lakeville South high schools in Minnesota will remain closed on Wednesday, 23 September, after separate anonymous threats prompted lockdowns and a major police response the previous day.
The closure is intended to give staff time to prepare the schools for pupils’ return on Thursday and to ensure the buildings are ready for learning, Lakeville Area Schools said in a message to families.
No weapons or evidence of violence were found at either school, and no injuries were reported. Police have not publicly identified any suspects.
Anonymous threats trigger school lockdowns
The first alert was received shortly after 9am on Tuesday through the district’s anonymous reporting system. It referred to firearms and explosives inside Lakeville South High School, prompting police to place the building into lockdown.
Students and staff were evacuated while officers, emergency responders and police dogs searched the site. Pupils were taken to Hosanna Church, where families were able to collect them.
Several hours later, at about 12.15pm, a second anonymous threat was reported against Lakeville North High School. It referred to a possible shooter, leading to another lockdown while officers searched the building and surrounding area.
Police said the second threat was also unsubstantiated. An evacuation was deemed unnecessary and students at Lakeville North were released at their normal time.
Lakeville Police Chief Brad Paulson and schools superintendent Michael Baumann said the district’s emergency procedures had been followed, thanking pupils, staff, families and partner agencies for their co-operation during the response.
The police investigation into the source of the threats remains ongoing. Authorities are working with state and federal partners to establish who submitted the reports.
