Police Investigating Social Media Threat at Pittsburgh-Area High School, Students Evacuated

Pittsburgh, PA – Woodland Hills High School in Churchill was evacuated on Wednesday due to an anonymous threat of an explosion found on Snapchat. Superintendent Daniel Castagna of Woodland Hills School District made the announcement on social media, prompting the evacuation of students at 11:55 a.m.

In response to the threat, all campus buildings in the school district were closed to visitors for the remainder of the day, with increased police presence at the elementary and middle school buildings. Law enforcement from Churchill and Allegheny County are conducting a comprehensive sweep of the high school premises, while all evening activities at the school have been canceled as a precaution.

Despite law enforcement’s belief that the threat is not credible, the investigation into its source is being pursued aggressively. Castagna emphasized the importance of emptying the building to facilitate a thorough search and provide ample time for a detailed inquiry into the origin of the threatening message.

The safety and security of students and staff remain the top priority for the school district, with officials working collaboratively with law enforcement to ensure a swift and effective response to the situation. The evacuation decision was made to enable a systematic search for any potential threats and to ascertain the veracity of the alarming message. Additionally, the cancellation of evening events underscores the cautionary measures taken by school authorities to protect the school community.

Due to ongoing investigations, updates will be provided to the public as information becomes available. The cooperative efforts between school officials and law enforcement demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff at Woodland Hills High School.