Columbine High School on lockdown over 'multiple bomb and gun alert' 19 years after notorious shooting
Parents of pupils at the school, where 13 were infamously massacred in a shooting in 1999, have been told to stay away.
An anonymous caller claimed bombs had been planted inside the school sparking a decision to close 24 local schools.
No evidence of explosives or any other threat was found following a thorough search of the campus, officials said.
The Jefferson County sheriff's office said the shocking alert came in around 9.20am this morning (4.20pm UK time).
“The person claimed to be hiding outside with a gun,” said spokesman Mike Taplin. “The perimeter was searched and secured.
"The school was placed on lockout. So far we have not found anything to validate the threats that have been made.
“Unfortunately, we receive many threats like this to Columbine and we respond to each threat appropriately, which is what we’re doing now.”
In 1999, two teens infamously went on a shooting spree at the Colorado school before turning their guns on themselves.
The shooting was, at the time, the worst high school shooting in US history and prompted a national debate on gun control.
It also sparked a major investigation to determine what motivated the gunmen, Eric Harris, 18, and Dylan Klebold, 17.
Cops later learned they chose victims randomly and had originally intended to bomb their school – potentially killing hundreds.
There was speculation the pair carried out the killings because they were members of a group of goth social outcasts called the 'Trenchcoat Mafia'.
It was also speculated Harris and Klebold had carried out the shootings as retaliation for being bullied by their classmates.
Additionally, violent video games and music were blamed for influencing the killers.
However, none of these theories was ever proven by those who investigated the atrocity.
Jefferson County School Board said on Twitter today: “All schools in Columbine, Chatfield, & Dakota Ridge areas have been placed in lockout due to a suspicious person in the Columbine area.
"Will update when we have more. Lockout means students remain inside; entry/exit are restricted.”
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Twitter account has warned residents to steer clear of the area.
They said: “JCSO PIOs en route to Columbine High School for reported threats. Please avoid the area.
“Attention parents: DO NOT come to Columbine HS right now to pick up students. They will not be released until 2:45pm.
“They are on lock out at the school (meaning no one can come or go) The kids & staff are SAFE.”
Photos taken at the scene show armed police officers near Clement Park, where a memorial to the massacre is located.
Source: Read Full Article