DONALDSONVILLE, La. (BRPROUD) — Public schools in Ascension Parish have been put on “heightened alert” because of an email containing a “non-specific bomb threat” Monday morning. The Assumption Parish School System also received a bomb threat which they believe is “not credible.”

Schools are closed today in Assumption Parish because of power outages.

Ascension Public Schools sent the following message to parents.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A non-specific bomb threat was emailed to several school districts this morning. Although we do not believe it is a credible threat, we are working with law enforcement and have placed our schools on a heightened alert.

Please know, we have several safety measures in place on our campuses to restrict access to our buildings. Nevertheless, we take the safety of our students and staff very seriously, and there will be a heightened law enforcement presence at our schools.

We will follow up with you as more information becomes available.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office released this statement about the bomb threat:

“On Monday, August 28, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a bomb threat that was emailed to several school districts in surrounding parishes, including Ascension Public Schools. We do not believe the threat is credible, and we are working closely with the school district to ensure the safety of our campuses.”

Assumption Parish Schools also released a statement about receiving a pipe bomb threat on Monday:

Assumption Parish School System as well as many school systems across the State of Louisiana received a pipe bomb threat this morning. Based on the information we received and speaking to our local sheriff department, we believe that the threat is not credible but we are taking the necessary precautions. Additionally, the severe weather early this morning has caused major power outages in our areas. Several schools will be without power for a few hours. As a result, we will be closing schools today. Buses will be bringing students home in the order they were picked up beginning with high school. Students will be excused. Please plan accordingly.
Due to the nature of the bomb threat, we are reviewing school cameras, canvassing our facilities and working closely with our local sheriff department to ensure all campuses are safe and secure.

Thanks for understanding

Nearby parish Livingston Parish closed schools on Monday due to bomb threats.