Ramapo Police: No Explosives Found Following Bomb Threat at Chestnut Ridge Middle School; FBI Joins Investigation

A major emergency response unfolded Thursday afternoon at Chestnut Ridge Middle School after a reported bomb threat prompted the evacuation of students and staff, with multiple law enforcement agencies conducting an extensive search of the building before confirming that no explosives were found.

According to a statement released by the Ramapo Police Department, officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. on October 29, 2026, following reports of a bomb threat.

As a precaution, all students and staff were evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location while authorities secured the area and began their investigation.

Explosive detection K9 units from five law enforcement agencies were brought in to search the building, including the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The Rockland County Sheriff's Office Bomb Disposal Unit also responded to assist with the operation.

Following the extensive search, authorities confirmed that no explosive devices were located inside the school.

Meanwhile, the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department, and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were staged at off-site locations, prepared to respond in the event of an emergency.

Although the search concluded without any explosives being discovered, the investigation remains ongoing. The Ramapo Police Investigations Division is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Ramapo Police Department at (845) 357-2400. All calls will be kept confidential.