Hailey
On Friday, December 19, 2025, multiple Catholic schools in the Kansas City metropolitan area received alarming bomb threat calls, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement and school officials.
After a thorough investigation, the Olathe Police Department confirmed that the threats were a hoax, with no credible danger to students or staff.
Schools across the region were carefully inspected and cleared, ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.
Overview of the Bomb Threats
Early Friday morning, anonymous calls and voicemails reported potential explosives at several Catholic schools in Johnson County and nearby areas.
Each report was taken seriously, triggering school safety protocols and law enforcement response. Police and school administrators coordinated to evaluate the credibility of the threats and to protect students, faculty, and staff.
All threats were eventually deemed false, but the scale of the hoax caused widespread concern and required a coordinated response across multiple jurisdictions.
Schools Affected
At least 13 schools were reported to have received threats, 12 of them Catholic schools. The threats prompted precautionary measures such as early dismissals and on-site inspections.
| School Name | City / Location | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Prince of Peace Catholic School | Olathe | Investigated, cleared |
| Holy Spirit Catholic School | Overland Park | Inspected, cleared |
| Ascension Catholic School | Overland Park | Investigated, cleared |
| St. Agnes Catholic School | Roeland Park | Early dismissal, inspected |
| Nativity Parish School | Leawood | Investigated, cleared |
| Sacred Heart School & Church | Ottawa | Inspected, cleared |
| Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic School | Miami County | Investigated, cleared |
| Resurrection Catholic School | Kansas City, KS | Inspected, cleared |
| St. Patrick Catholic School | Kansas City, KS | Investigated, cleared |
| Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic School | Topeka | Inspected, cleared |
| Hayden Catholic High School | Topeka | Investigated, cleared |
| Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School | Shawnee | Inspected, cleared |
| Accelerated Schools | Overland Park | Investigated, cleared |
Schools implemented emergency protocols, such as evacuations or early dismissals, to ensure student safety during the investigation.
Law Enforcement Response
The Olathe Police Department confirmed that the bomb threat at Prince of Peace Catholic School was unfounded. Police emphasized that all threats were treated with maximum caution until the schools were inspected and deemed safe.
Multiple police departments from surrounding areas, including Overland Park, Roeland Park, Leawood, and Topeka, worked together to respond efficiently. Officers conducted thorough sweeps of buildings and grounds, ensuring there were no hidden dangers.
Authorities also highlighted the seriousness of false threats, explaining that hoax calls divert crucial law enforcement resources and create unnecessary fear in communities.
Community and School Response
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas reassured parents and guardians that students and staff remained safe throughout the incident. School leaders communicated promptly with families to provide updates and maintain transparency.
Parents expressed concern but appreciated the coordinated response by law enforcement and school personnel.
Teachers and staff worked to calm students and explain the situation in a safe and age-appropriate manner.
Continuing Investigation
Law enforcement continues to investigate the origin of the hoax calls to hold responsible parties accountable. Authorities stress that making false bomb threats is a serious criminal offense that can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
Officials also encourage anyone with information about the threats to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.
Impact on the Community
Although the threats were not real, they caused emotional stress and logistical challenges for families, schools, and law enforcement. Students faced early dismissals, parents worried about safety, and police resources were mobilized across multiple jurisdictions.
School leaders emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant while continuing to follow safety protocols to protect the community.
The confirmation by the Olathe Police Department that the Kansas City-area Catholic school bomb threats were a hoax brought relief to the affected communities.
While the incident caused fear and disruption, coordinated efforts from law enforcement and school administrators ensured the safety of students and staff. The investigation continues to identify the individuals responsible for the hoax and hold them accountable for their actions.