AUSTIN (KXAN) — Leander High School was placed on lockdown Friday afternoon after a bomb threat was received, according to school officials.
Principal Chris Simpson issued a warning to parents that students and staff were safe inside the building, and Leander police noted the threat occurred outside the building in a high school parking lot.
The lockdown remained in effect as of 3 p.m. and began around 1:30 p.m.
“As a precaution, we are asking everyone to stay away from the area. At this time, this threat has not been confirmed and no bomb has been found,” LPD said.
Police instructed parents arriving on campus to park at the tennis courts behind the school, which will serve as a gathering point for students. Leander High School said it is not requiring parents to come to campus, but those arriving and/or already in the area should go there to avoid interfering with law enforcement. Leander HS said the tennis courts are located on the west side of campus and are accessible from the Lakeline Boulevard entrance.
“Please continue to avoid the main campus so emergency personnel can do their work safely and unimpeded. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” Leander High School said in the alert.
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Law enforcement officers are present after a bomb threat was received on the campus of Leander High School on January 9, 2026 (KXAN Photo/Kevin Baskar)
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Leander High School went into lockdown on Jan. 9, 2026, after receiving a bomb threat, school officials said. (KXAN Photo/Kevin Bhaskar)
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Law enforcement officers are present after a bomb threat was received on the campus of Leander High School on January 9, 2026 (KXAN Photo/Kevin Baskar)
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Law enforcement officers are present after a bomb threat was received on the campus of Leander High School on January 9, 2026 (KXAN Photo/Kevin Baskar)
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Law enforcement officers are present after a bomb threat was received on the campus of Leander High School on January 9, 2026 (KXAN Photo/Kevin Baskar)
The Leander Police Department added that no one was injured. They continued to search the area and said at about 3 p.m. that they had not found anything suspicious and no equipment had been found.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority at LISD… We are actively working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” the school’s alert reads in part.
Leander High School said additional updates will be sent every 15 minutes or as lockdowns are lifted.
This is a development story. Stick with KXAN for updates.
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