Lockdown lifted after threat at Colfax Elementary; no injuries, no weapon found

PITTSBURGH — An elementary school in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood was placed on lockdown Wednesday morning after an anonymous call of a threat, officials said.

The call made about 9:30 a.m. to Colfax Elementary School claimed a student had a gun, Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman Ebony Pugh said.

The school was placed on full lockdown and a sweep of the building was conducted.

Officials said the building housing sixth through eighth grades was cleared first, followed by the K-5 building. No injuries were reported.

The lockdown was lifted shortly after 11 a.m.

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BREAKING: Colfax Elementary in Squirrel Hill on lockdown after a call came in claiming someone brought a weapon into the building.
A parent tells me they were informed by a robocall @WPXI pic.twitter.com/ziQVlhf6M7
— Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) October 31, 2018

Parents said they were informed of the threat through a robocall.

Officials said there was no plan for an early dismissal, but parents were able to take their children home if they choose.

UPDATE: police are sweeping the building, taking every precaution. NO injuries reported, no weapon found, at this point.

Meantime many parents are standing by, concerned.
One received this text from his child @WPXI pic.twitter.com/OmhPgGoN3H
— Liz Kilmer (@LizKilmerWPXI) October 31, 2018

Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner was in the building and posted the following message on Facebook:

"Just to provide any comfort to parents: I'm at Colfax in a 4th grade classroom volunteering for Halloween activity. The kids are doing really well here. Calm, happy & occupied. I've texted other parents to say it is very clear how well prepared our school is."

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