Update: Bomb threats target Hamilton schools for fourth straight school day

For the fourth school day in a row, bomb threats have disrupted classes at some Hamilton schools Tuesday.

Hamilton police declined to provide hamilton.insauga.com with details, including whether they were connected or if suspicious packages were found, though it confirmed that “a number of schools received threats today.” 

“We will continue to investigate the origin of the bomb threats and lay the appropriate charges, where required,” said Jackie Penman, Hamilton police spokesperson, in an email to hamilton.insauga.com today (Sept. 26).

Two schools in Ward 2 — Hess elementary and Central elementary schools — were evacuated due to bomb threats, according to Sabreina Dahab, a Ward 2 trustee.

“The police were on site. Both schools were cleared for re-entry and families have been notified,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter, earlier this afternoon. “The school board has outlined many resources to support families and students as they navigate these really scary threats. … Schools have emergency/crisis response plans and the HWDSB has been using the Safe Schools Policies, Secure Schools, and the Hamilton Police/School Board Protocol to respond.”

She didn’t provide further details on the incidents.

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board didn’t post any information about the threats on its website. It previously said it was not commenting on the threats, saying any updates for the public may be posted online, and it will update students, families and staff directly.

In response to questions from hamilton.insauga.com for more details, the school board wrote today: “Given the volume of activity during this ever-evolving situation, we are prioritizing direct communication to families of the affected schools. When relevant to the general public, we will share information accordingly.”

It’s the fourth time bomb threats have targeted schools in Hamilton since Thursday. Four Hamilton schools were evacuated yesterday (Sept. 25) for the same reason. 

Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School has been targeted with threats three times since Thursday. It was unclear if it was among the schools that received the threats today. Hamilton police had shared a copy of the email Friday with hamilton.insauga.com containing the first bomb threat that railed against the education system, school and a controversial trans teacher. The first two threats against the East Hamilton Mountain school had “similarities,” according to police. They didn’t provide details on the other bomb threats.

This morning, two schools in Ward 2, Hess elementary and Central elementary schools were evacuated due to bomb threats. The police were on site. Both schools were cleared for re-entry and families have been notified.

1/5#hamont

— Sabreina Dahab (@sabreina_dahab) September 26, 2023