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3 Pittsburgh Public Schools Evacuated Due To Threat

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Three schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools District were evacuated Wednesday due to a voicemail threat.

According to officials, about 300 students from Pittsburgh West Liberty and 500 students from Pittsburgh South Brook were evacuated to Pittsburgh Brashear High School.

Additionally, about 50 medically fragile students at Pittsburgh Pioneer were taken home.

A voicemail threat was discovered at Pittsburgh West Liberty shortly before the start of school Wednesday morning.

The nature of that threat was not disclosed.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay issued a statement regarding the threat and resulting evacuations.

"At this point, there is no immediate threat to safety; however, the investigation remains on-going. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, in collaboration with the School District Police, is treating this as a potentially legitimate threat. Precautions are being taken on the part of the school district to insure the safety of the students," he said.

School officials said there was no credible threat. Pittsburgh Public Safety officials said they took extraordinary measures because of a recent sniper attack on Pennsylvania State Police and don't want a copycat attack.

"In the wake of what happened up in the Scranton area with the state trooper and the sniper attack, we've taken extra precautions," said Stephen Bucar, the Pittsburgh Public Safety director.

This is the second consecutive day a threat has been made against the school.

On, Tuesday, a man called 911 and threatened a sniper attack, which prompted a lockdown.

"I think it's crazy for a school like this and this neighborhood. I wouldn't expect it. I am upset because this neighborhood is quiet and who want to threaten kids at school?" Desiree McElroy said.

"I think it's absurd. I think it's just someone trying to get attention, but I feel like the lack of alerting the residents and we live less than 50 yards from the school and no one alerted us to what the issue was," Levette Mariner said.

Both Pittsburgh Police and federal investigators are involved in the case trying to trace the origin of the call.

Students remained at Pittsburgh Brashear High School for the remainder of the school day.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Linda Lane says classes at all three schools will resume Thursday. This evening, she is inviting parents and families of the students to a meeting at South Brook Middle School gymnasium at 6 p.m.

Federal authorities are also involved in the investigation.

"When you make a phone call, whether you're calling relatives or friends or you're calling anonymously to make a threat, you leave a footprint," said Bucar.

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