St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), in close collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) and our federal partners, continues to actively investigate a series of bomb threats targeting public schools on St. Thomas. These threats have caused significant disruptions to learning environments and unnecessary alarms within the community.
On Monday, November 17, 2025, the 911 Emergency Call Center received additional reports of bomb threats directed at Lockhart K-8 School and Charlotte Amalie High School. VIPD units, along with school security officials, responded immediately, and both threats remain under active investigation. Detectives have identified several persons of interest, and interviews are currently underway. Once identified and apprehended, the individuals responsible will be fully prosecuted.
As of today, VIPD confirms that six minors from Charlotte Amalie High School and Lockhart K-8 have been taken into protective custody in connection with recent incidents. The minors face multiple charges, including False Reporting (First and Third Degree), Cyber Harassment, Bomb Hoax, Disturbance of the Peace/Threat, and Conspiracy.
This troubling pattern is not new. The VIPD has previously investigated and arrested minors for similar offenses.
- On April 2, 2023, the Seventh-day Adventist School reported a violent threat made against teachers and students. The Juvenile Bureau launched an immediate investigation, which resulted in identifying a minor responsible for placing the threatening call.
- On May 2, 2023, another bomb threat was reported at the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, now Lockhart K-8 School. A joint response from the Juvenile Bureau and School Security Bureau led to the identification of three student suspects. These minors were taken into protective custody and charged with First Degree False Reporting, Third Degree False Reporting, Cyber Harassment, Disturbance of the Peace, and Bomb Hoax. They were subsequently remanded to the Youth Rehabilitation Center (YRC) on St. Croix.
VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks emphasized the seriousness of these offenses, stating:
“The Virgin Islands Police Department is delivering a clear and concise message today: the recent rash of bomb threats targeting schools in the territory particularly in the St. Thomas and St. John District is unacceptable. These reckless calls do not only disrupt our educational system; they divert vital emergency resources, create unnecessary panic, strain government operations, and leave other critical areas vulnerable.
Let me be perfectly clear: this behavior is not a prank. It is a crime.
Earlier today, VIPD arrested several minors in connection with these threats. They have been charged accordingly, and our investigations are far from over. Additional arrests will follow. We have pledged our full resources, along with the support of our federal partners, to identify every individual involved. Make no mistake, as demonstrated today, we will find you, and we will bring you to justice. Parents and Guardians, let me put you on notice as well. If you are not, I advise you to get involved in your children’s lives. Check those cellphones daily because when we show up knocking on your door for your child, saying I did not know is not an excuse. As a parent they are your responsibility and obstruction of justice will only give you an adjoining seat next to your child in court.
The safety of our students, educators, and community is non-negotiable. These dangerous acts will not be tolerated in the Virgin Islands. The VIPD urges parents, guardians, and community members to speak with their children about the severe consequences associated with making false threats. These actions drain emergency resources, interrupt critical public services, and create widespread fear.
The Virgin Islands Police Department remains committed to transparency, public safety, and the well-being of students and school personnel as this investigation progresses.
