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Minnesota Schools Closed After Bomb Threats

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/19/minnesota-schools-closed-after-bomb-threats.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 19th 2026 at 20:01 GMT by WPTV-TV
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

FARMINGTON, MINN - February 20th, 2026 - Schools across the South Washington County School District in Minnesota remained closed today, Friday, February 20th, after receiving a series of bomb threats late Thursday night. The threats prompted a widespread lockdown and investigation, impacting schools in Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, and Lakeville. While a thorough search of all facilities revealed no explosive devices, the incident has deeply shaken the community and is being linked to the recent and tragic suicide of 15-year-old Liam Conejo-Ramos, a student at North Star Academy.

According to the Dakota County Sheriff's Office, the threats were reported simultaneously to multiple schools within the district, raising immediate concerns about a coordinated effort. Sheriff's deputies, alongside local police departments and bomb disposal units, spent the night and early morning hours conducting comprehensive searches of school buildings and grounds. The decision to close all schools was made out of an abundance of caution, prioritizing the safety of students, staff, and families.

"The timing of these threats, so soon after the devastating loss of Liam Conejo-Ramos, is deeply troubling," stated Superintendent Dr. Eleanor Vance in a press conference this morning. "While we cannot definitively say there is a direct causal link, the emotional climate within our community is understandably heightened. We are treating these threats with the utmost seriousness and are working tirelessly with law enforcement to determine their origin and ensure the safety of our students."

The suicide of Liam Conejo-Ramos has cast a long shadow over the district. He was described by teachers and peers as a bright and creative student, actively involved in the school's drama club and robotics team. The details surrounding his death remain private, but the event has triggered widespread grief and prompted discussions about mental health resources available to young people. School officials confirmed that Liam had accessed the district's counseling services in the past, but the extent of support he received is now under review.

The current situation has reignited the debate over online safety and the potential for social media to exacerbate mental health struggles. Investigators are exploring whether Liam's death and the subsequent bomb threats are connected to online activity, including potential cyberbullying or exposure to harmful content. Several reports suggest that Liam had been the target of online harassment in the weeks leading up to his death, though these claims are still being investigated.

"We're looking into all avenues," said Sheriff Marcus Bellwether. "We're examining social media posts, online forums, and digital communications to identify any individuals who may have been involved in either Liam's situation or the threats made against our schools. This is a complex investigation, and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice."

The district has announced that mental health support services are available to all students and staff, including grief counseling, crisis intervention, and access to mental health professionals. Parent workshops are also being planned to provide guidance on recognizing the signs of mental health distress in children and adolescents. The district is urging anyone with information about the bomb threats or Liam's death to come forward and contact the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.

The closure of schools today represents more than just a disruption to education; it's a symptom of a deeper crisis within the community. The combination of grief, fear, and uncertainty is taking a toll on everyone involved. As the investigation continues, the South Washington County School District is focusing on providing support and healing to its students, staff, and families, while also working to create a safer and more supportive learning environment for all. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for increased resources to address the growing challenges facing young people today.