Official Statement Regarding Bomb Threat at Williamstown Elementary School
Today, Williamstown Elementary School received a bomb threat from an unknown male caller who reported in that two pipe bombs had been placed inside the school with a specific time frame.
Upon receiving the threat, the school immediately implemented Secure protocols and subsequently transitioned to Lockdown procedures. The Wood County Schools Safety and Security Department, along with local law enforcement, responded and conducted an initial search of the building before students were released.
Once the initial sweep was completed, students were transported by bus to the designated reunification site, where parents and guardians were able to pick them up. The West Virginia State Police Bomb K-9 unit, along with local law enforcement, then conducted an additional, thorough search of the building. No bomb-related items were located.
The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all agencies that responded and assisted during this incident, including the Williamstown Police Department, Wood County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and Williamstown Fire Department.
I also want to thank the staff and students of Williamstown Elementary School for their response and cooperation throughout this incident. Their efforts, along with the patience and cooperation of our parents and families during the reunification process, are greatly appreciated.
I also want to thank the Wood County Schools Transportation Department for their immediate response in sending eight busses to move students to the reunification site.
This incident remains under investigation. Wood County Schools will continue to fully assist law enforcement with the investigation and any follow-up efforts.
We understand that incidents of this nature are concerning for our school community. We appreciate the coordinated response of our emergency services partners and the cooperation shown by our students, staff, and families as we worked through this situation.
Jeremy Bell
Safety and Security Director
Wood County Schools