UPDATE AT 6:23pm from the Rapid City Police Department: BOMB THREAT UPDATE Central High School has been searched by law enforcement in conjunction with explosives detection K9s from Ellsworth AFB, with no threats being located.

We are aware of similar hoax bomb threat calls that have been made across the nation in recent weeks. Even though there is no evidence to suggest a credible threat, today’s public safety response to the location and swift evacuation of students/staff is a clear example of the priority local first responders place on the safety of our classrooms.

We will continue to work with our federal law enforcement partners to identify the source of the initial call and will do everything in our power to ensure appropriate accountability for the person(s) responsible.

UPDATE 1:55PM – A large police force is on site at Central High School with continuous school alarms. The school is evacuated with Police directing traffic on Mt. Rushmore Rd. for student pickups.

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Local law enforcement responded to Central High School Thursday afternoon following a bomb threat reported shortly before 1 p.m.

Numerous law enforcement units arrived at the scene and are currently assisting with an evacuation of the building. The Rapid City Police Department indicated that the primary focus of the response is the protection of those on campus.

“Student and staff safety is the priority as law enforcement works to investigate the credibility of the threat,” officials stated.

Authorities are continuing to work on-site to determine the validity of the threat. The department noted that more updates will be issued as appropriate.