Students In Rye Evacuated Upon Fourth Bomb Threat This Year
RYE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Rye Middle and High School students suffered through some scary moments Monday, as a bomb threat ripped through the community with fear.
And as CBS2's Emily Smith reported, it was not the first bomb threat -- even this year.
Rye schools received the threat shortly before 10 a.m. The middle and high school were evacuated due to the threat.
The all clear was given around 11:45 a.m.
"I also saw, like, an ambulance here before," said parent Annette Vellucci. "So I don't know what's going on."
It was a feeling of relief for Vellucci to see her daughter, Julianna. Many other parents share the same feeling picking up their Rye middle and high school students following a fourth bomb threat – this year alone.
"Very sad -- sad and scared too -- two things!" a parent said.
The principal immediately evacuated the students when someone discovered the bomb threat written on a boys' bathroom wall this morning.
"(The principal) was like, 'Everybody get your backpacks. and we have to evacuate immediately,'" a student said.
The students walked 15 minutes to Midland Elementary, where they took refuge while bomb sniffing dogs and authorities combed their school. Middle school students were bused back to their school, while high school students walked back, when the all-clear was given at last.
Rye High School student Collin Anderson said he still feels safe regardless of what happened.
"There wasn't a bomb the last three times, so I'm just thinking a kid doing it again," he said.
"I think the first time, it was kind of fun getting out of school, but now just it's overdone and annoying," another student said.
The district would not go on camera, but shared a letter sent out to parents, faculty and staff acknowledging a bomb threat, concluding, "While we would like to provide more information, this is an ongoing police investigation."
Police would not go on camera, but confirmed that city and county authorities, as well as the FBI, were all investigating.
School officials were providing counselors to anyone in need of someone to talk to, or reassurance regarding their safety.