Press Release: Authorities Involved in Middle School Threat

Palo Alto, CA - The Palo Alto Unified School District received notice of a written bomb threat found on a bathroom wall inside the Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School. The Palo Alto Police Department responded immediately and have been on the campus this afternoon. This finding was reported to faculty by a campus student after 11 a.m.

Since bomb threats are taken seriously by both federal and local law enforcement agencies, local authorities and PAUSD are working in collaborative efforts and remain vigilant in response to student and staff safety needs. Per the California Penal Code (Section 422), any person willfully threatening to commit a crime resulting in death or great bodily injury ... is to be taken as a threat even if there is no intent of carrying it out.

This threat is being taken seriously. "See Something, Say Something" remains the focus the district shares with students and staff. Because a JLS student shared this finding, staff and authorities are better able to concentrate on campus safety. Any student who has further insight or information regarding this campus threat should share details with school employees or with law enforcement.

Students, staff, and the community should note there may be a police presence on the JLS campus this week.

The Palo Alto Police Department has also shared a press release. Updates will be provided on the PAUSD website as details become available.