Classes to resume at Southwest High Thursday after bomb threat

Authorities found no sign of explosives at Southwest High School on Wednesday after it was shut down because of a bomb threat.

School officials say the Minneapolis Police Department conducted a walk-through at the building Wednesday morning after the threat came in late Tuesday. Classes resume Thursday.

Rachel Hicks, a Minneapolis public schools spokeswoman, said she was unable to identify the source of the threat because "of the ongoing police investigation."

"There are serious consequences for individuals who make threats to our students and schools," Hicks said.

In an automated phone call, Principal Bill Smith notified parents and families Tuesday evening that the school would be closed Wednesday. All other school events were also canceled.

"We know [Wednesday's] closure may have posed an inconvenience to some families, however we make decisions with the safety and security of our students and families in mind," said Stan Alleyne, the district's chief communications officer.

Natalie Mackey, a freshman at the school, said she was worried about her safety because she lives across the street from the school.

"I was really freaked out that it was a bomb scare," said Mackey, adding that her parents said she wasn't going to school even if the district decided to keep the school open. "We were all just really nervous."

Alejandra Matos