ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville police investigated a bomb threat at Asheville High School on Monday that briefly placed the campus on lockdown.
School officials said all students and staff remained safe as officers and firefighters responded out of an abundance of caution. The lockdown has since been lifted.
“The building has been cleared, and nothing was found,” Asheville police said.
Early reports from police indicated students were being evacuated, but school officials clarified that no evacuation took place.
Asheville police said the perimeter was secured and the school was on lockdown while a search occurred
A message sent to families at 12:03 p.m. stated that classes continued inside the building while all exterior doors were locked and no one was permitted to enter or exit.
“The Asheville Police Department and Fire Department are currently on campus,” the message read. “Please know that the presence of first responders is strictly out of an abundance of precaution and safety while they assist with the investigation.”
Officials asked parents and caregivers not to come to campus during the incident, warning it could interfere with safety procedures and the ongoing investigation.
Social media users reported seeing K-9 units, drones, and a heavy law enforcement presence outside the school.
School officials said they worked closely with law enforcement to assess and resolve the situation and reiterated that the safety of students and staff remains their top priority.