Multiple Kansas Catholic schools targeted by apparent bomb hoax

CNA Staff, Dec 20, 2025 / 09:00 am

Multiple Catholic schools in Kansas were targeted by what were apparently hoax bomb threats this week, according to authorities.

Law enforcement agencies in the Kansas City area reported investigating threats at numerous Catholic schools on Dec. 19. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas confirmed in a press statement that "several" Catholic schools in the archdiocese had "received bomb threats" on both Dec. 18 and Dec. 19.

"At this time, students and staff are safe," Archdiocesan Superintendent Vince Cascone said in the statement. "Law enforcement continues to investigate, and we are following their guidance closely."

The archdiocese did not post a list of the schools affected by the bomb threats, though local media reported at least 13 schools targeted, 12 of which were Catholic.

The Olathe, Kansas Police Department posted on Facebook that it had investigated a threat at the city's Prince of Peace Catholic School. "The threat was unfounded, and it was determined that other cities in the metro were receiving similar hoax calls," the police department said, adding that it was investigating the origin of the call.

Roeland Park Mayor Michael Poppa similarly wrote on Facebook that the threats were "unfounded." The mayor described the hoaxes as "cowardly and deplorable attempts to spread fear and disrupt our community."

Poppa praised authorities as well as staff at St. Agnes Catholic School "for jumping into action immediately to prioritize student safety."

Multiple local outlets, meanwhile, reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is participating in the investigation.