Police are currently investigating separate bomb threats that were reported via phone calls at Sunny Hills High School, Fullerton Union High School, and Troy High School, as confirmed by the Fullerton Police Department. Each of the schools is under lockdown while officers assess the situation, and it remains unclear whether these threats are credible.
Authorities have urged the community to avoid the areas surrounding each school to allow law enforcement and school personnel to prioritize safety and the investigation. Additionally, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) has notified its students and staff to steer clear of the vicinity near State College Boulevard and Dorothy Lane, although the university itself remains open, with restricted vehicle access in that region.
The Fullerton Police Department is committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.
Nationally, bomb threats at schools are alarmingly commonplace, with over 1,100 threats recorded across the United States in 2023 alone, according to the U.S. Bomb Data Center. Historical trends indicate that California has experienced a number of bomb threats since the late 1990s, which have intermittently disrupted educational environments and forced school closures.
Following the tragic events at Columbine High School in 1999, schools nationwide saw a significant increase in bomb threats, a pattern that persists today despite some fluctuations in frequency. The Educator’s School Safety Network recently reported that threats of violence in schools have returned to pre-pandemic levels, underscoring a continuous concern within educational institutions.
California does not maintain specific statistics for bomb threats but does have Comprehensive School Safety Plans in place, indicating that these threats are acknowledged as crucial risks. The repercussions of such threats can lead to significant disruptions, including lockdowns and evacuations, even in cases where threats are determined to be hoaxes. Additionally, law enforcement and school resources may be heavily strained during these incidents, creating anxiety within communities.
Under California law, making bomb threats to schools can result in severe criminal penalties. Offenses may fall under multiple codes, including California Penal Code § 422, which covers criminal threats, or SB 19 (2025), which specifically addresses threats against educational institutions. Other laws, such as Penal Code § 148.1, deal with false bomb threats, and there are additional consequences in place for students found to have made such threats, potentially leading to suspension or expulsion from school.
As law enforcement continues to handle these current threats, the hope lies in the commitment to student safety and ensuring a collaborative approach to prevent future incidents. The swift response from authorities emphasizes the importance of vigilance and cooperation in maintaining secure educational environments.