Schools Closed After Bomb Threats Linked to Minneapolis Shooting
Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Woodbury, Minnesota - February 13th, 2026 - Schools across the South Washington County School District remain closed today, Friday, February 13th, 2026, after receiving a series of bomb threats that authorities are directly linking to the tragic shooting at Hope Academy in North Minneapolis yesterday. The escalating situation underscores the deep trauma gripping the Twin Cities region following the senseless loss of 11-year-old Liam Conejo-Ramos and the injuries sustained by five others.
The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that the threats, which began surfacing early this morning, specifically referenced the Hope Academy shooting. Chief Communications Officer Garrett Partin stated, "We are aware of multiple bomb threats to schools in the South Washington County School District. These threats appear to be related to the shooting at Hope Academy. We are taking these threats extremely seriously and are actively investigating them." Details regarding the nature of the threats--whether they were delivered via phone, email, or other means--remain limited as the investigation continues.
The South Washington County School District swiftly enacted its safety protocols, ordering the immediate closure of all schools within the district. A district statement released this morning emphasized the priority of student and staff safety. "The safety of our students and staff is our top priority," it read. "We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to assess the validity of these threats and ensure a safe environment for learning. Schools will remain closed until authorities determine it is safe to reopen." Parents were notified through emergency alert systems and district websites, urging them to keep children at home and monitor official channels for updates.
The shooting at Hope Academy on Thursday sent shockwaves through Minneapolis and beyond. Liam Conejo-Ramos, a fifth-grade student, was fatally wounded during the incident. The suspected shooter, identified as a 15-year-old student at the academy, is currently in custody, and investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack. Preliminary reports suggest the shooting occurred during a common lunch period, creating a scene of chaos and panic. Five other individuals, including a school staff member, sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate, and are currently receiving medical care.
This latest development - the bomb threats - highlights a disturbing trend of copycat threats following high-profile incidents of school violence. Security experts warn that the immediate aftermath of a shooting is often accompanied by an increase in such threats as individuals attempt to capitalize on the fear and trauma. Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading psychologist specializing in school crisis intervention, commented, "Following a traumatic event like this, we often see vulnerable individuals seeking attention or attempting to express their own distress in harmful ways. The combination of grief, fear, and the pervasive influence of media coverage can create a volatile environment."
The Minneapolis Police Department has increased its presence at schools across the city, not just within the South Washington County District, as a precautionary measure. Federal agencies, including the FBI, are providing support and resources to the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the threats or the Hope Academy shooting to come forward.
The focus now shifts to de-escalating the situation and providing support to students, staff, and families affected by both the shooting and the subsequent threats. Mental health professionals are being deployed to Hope Academy and schools in the South Washington County District to offer counseling and crisis intervention services. Community leaders are organizing vigils and support groups to provide a space for grieving and healing. The long-term impact of this trauma on the students and the broader community will undoubtedly be significant, requiring sustained efforts to address the underlying issues of violence and mental health.
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