Bishop O'Connell Proud Of St. John Vianney's Response to Bomb Threat

Bishop David O'Connell addressed the bomb threat and school lock down at St. John Vianney School on Wednesday in a video posted to the school’s Facebook page.

“We live in a world where we can’t not take such threats seriously, and I’m so very proud of school and the way you responded to this emergency situation. I’m very grateful to your president, principal, faculty and staff of way worked together to keep you safe.”

You can watch the video here on Patch.

The school was locked down and evacuated shortly after the Holmdel Police Department received a call indicating that a bomb was on the premises of St. John Vianney. Acting-Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni said Wednesday afternoon that the bomb threat was a hoax.

“We’re looking at it hard and believe it to be a hoax and we will be investigating it thoroughly,” said Gramiccioni.

Responding to the scene were Holmdel, Hazlet and Matawan police departments, State Police, and the Monmouth County Emergency Response Team. Gramiccioni said the FBI also offered to assist. No weapons or explosives were found after the school was swept twice. The school was cleared at 2:45 p.m.