Bomb Threat at Hicksville Public Library Forces Evacuation, Lockouts at Nearby Schools

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. — A bomb threat at the Hicksville Public Library Friday morning triggered a major police response, school lockouts and a complete shutdown of Jerusalem Avenue before one person was apprehended, officials say.

Library officials said the building was evacuated at approximately 9:50 a.m. after receiving a threat that an explosive device was inside. Nassau County Police received a 911 call reporting the incident, prompting patrol officers and specialized units to respond.

8th Precinct and Emergency Service Unit officers established a perimeter around the library as the department’s Arson Bomb Squad responded and assessed the building. A technician wearing a protective bomb disposal suit was seen entering the library during the investigation.

Officers wearing gloves were also seen removing a black backpack from the building and placing it inside a police vehicle. Authorities have not said whether the backpack was connected to the threat.

The incident prompted precautionary lockouts at Hicksville Middle School, Hicksville High School and Lee Avenue Elementary School.

Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Theodore Fulton said the district had been notified of an individual who had reportedly made threats at the library, but said the threats were not directed at the schools.

“There is no known threat to our students or staff,” Fulton said in a message to the school community. “Everyone inside our school buildings is safe.”

Normal activities continued inside the schools while access to the buildings and surrounding campuses was restricted.

Jerusalem Avenue was closed in both directions between Old Country Road and 3rd Street while police investigated. The roadway has since reopened.

Following an assessment of the library, authorities determined there was no credible threat, according to library officials. The individual involved was apprehended by police.

The circumstances surrounding the threat and any potential charges were not immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing.