(Updated at 1 p.m.) Fairfax County police are investigating an evidently unfounded bomb threat that forced an evacuation of West Potomac High School this morning (Wednesday).
A search of the school at 6500 Quander Road in Belle Haven revealed “no suspicious devices,” police announced at 12:26 p.m.
“Detectives continue to investigate the apparent false threat,” the Fairfax County Police Department said.
Students were evacuated from their classes after a bomb threat came in by phone from an unknown number, according to the FCPD, which sent its Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to conduct a search.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the students have been moved from the school to an alternate location,” the FCPD said in a tweet shortly before 10 a.m.
Officers are on scene at West Potomac High School in Belle Haven for a reported bomb threat. A person on an unknown number reported the threat. Out of an abundance of caution, the students have been moved from the school to an alternate location as our EOD conducts a search. pic.twitter.com/t1ruxFCMbo
— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) April 24, 2024
According to scanner traffic on Open MHz, police responded to the reported threat claiming a “student has a bomb in a backpack” around 8:46 a.m.
School security said around 9:30 a.m. that students were evacuated to the school’s athletic stadium and directed to leave their backpacks for police to search.
When FFXnow arrived shortly after 10:40 a.m., West Potomac High School’s doors remained closed, and students, faculty and police could be seen gathered behind the school. Videos shared with FFXnow show students sitting quietly on the football field and in the bleachers, while police dogs sniffed their bags.
Video From The Scene pic.twitter.com/nN5hP754s7
— Fletcher Flicks (@CondonFletcher) April 24, 2024
— John McDonald (@Debrezzy_) April 24, 2024
Fairfax County Public Schools directed inquiries to the police department, which said that its social media post contained the only information currently available.
Shortly before 11 a.m., an administrator announced on a bullhorn that teachers would be allowed back into the school first, followed by students.
“We are about to reunite you with your book bag and your lunch,” the administrator said.
James Cullum contributed to this report