SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Several schools throughout Utah were reportedly affected by a bomb threat on Friday morning, Dec. 15, that school officials are saying was distributed in an attempt to disrupt the school system.

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The Department of Public Safety said it was aware of the bomb threats and said it had determined all threats to be hoaxes as of their latest assessment. DPS is working with local law enforcement agencies to investigate the threats saying its top priority is the safety and security of the students, schools, and staff.

“We want to reassure parents, students, and educators that appropriate measures are being taken to address these threats,” DPS said in a statement. “We appreciate the understanding of the public as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our schools and communities.”

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As of Friday morning, several schools throughout Utah have been evacuated or placed on lockdown as a precaution to the threats.

Parents of students with the Leadership Learning Academy in Ogden and the Utah Military Academy in Lehi reported their schools had been affected. The Utah Military Academy announced it would be closing for the day and provided busses and pickup locations for students.

The Weber School District emailed parents telling parents that law enforcement warned the district of a bomb threat hoax circulating schools in Idaho and Wyoming the day before.

“This morning, the same hoax started hitting schools throughout Utah. In fact, we’ve already received the hoax here at some of our schools,” The WSD Superintendency said. “In working with law enforcement, we are certain this is a hoax meant to try and disrupt the school system. We are working closely with law enforcement but we are confident there is no danger to our schools.”

WSD officials said parents are likely to see additional officers at schools around the county this morning but the district is trying to limit the disruption the hoax could cause.

Meanwhile, Beaver County School District and the Sheriff’s Office evacuated students as a precaution, saying they learned it was a hoax while responding to the threat seriously. The school district continued to clear its schools and set up reunification points for students and parents.

“It was not our intent to cause alarm or panic in our communities but in this day and age, we take all threats seriously,” said Beaver County Sheriff Cody Black in a statement.

Schools in Summit County were also evacuated and the County Sheriff’s Office sent parents of information on where to pick up students.

Not every school canceled classes, however. The Juab School District said all schools will continue on a normal bell schedule after being assured the threat was a hoax by local enforcement.

It is currently unclear how many schools or school districts throughout Utah were affected by the bomb threats.

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