600,000 pupils kept home as ‘credible bomb threat’ sees Los Angeles shut all schools

All of Los Angeles’ public schools have been ordered closed owing to a “credible threat”, city officials said. An “electronic threat” was made against “not one, but many schools” in the district on Tuesday morning, authorities said, affecting more than 600,000 students. All school buses in the city were ordered to return to the bus yards, and parents were directed not to take their children to school. Officials say a school board member received an email containing the threat – believed to be a bomb threat – which appeared to have been sent from overseas.

I can’t take a chance. I’ve asked for all schools to be searched today.

Schools Superintendent Ramon Cortines

The threat comes amid heightened security concerns following the mass shooting in San Bernardino, about 60 miles (96km) east of Los Angeles. Speaking about his decision to close all of the city’s schools, Mr Cortines referenced the attack that killed 14 people and wounded 21 others. The district is the nation’s second largest with 640,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade and more than 900 schools and 187 public charter schools. All of the establishments are now being searched.

Students that have arrived at school will be with staff until parents or guardians can be contacted.

A Tweet from Los Angeles Unified School District

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