BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – MacArthur Elementary School is currently on lockout due to an alleged outside threat.

The Binghamton City School District released the following statement this morning:

“MacArthur Elementary school activated a lockdown this morning as police investigated a report they received of a possible pipe bomb and threat to the school. A lockdown involves all staff and students remaining in their classrooms. The lockdown has since been converted to a lockout. Binghamton police are on scene investigating, and students and staff are safe inside the building. We will continue to keep you informed and notify you when the lockout has been lifted.”

UPDATE:

As directed by the Binghamton Police Department, MacArthur was placed on lockdown this morning for approximately 90 minutes.

Students and staff remained in their classrooms, out of sight from windows and doors.

Out of an abundance of caution, Binghamton PD and Broome County K-9 units conducted a thorough search of both inside and outside the building.

Police determined that the threat came from a call transmitted through the internet, originating from an IP address outside of New York State.

Another school in New York State received a similar call this morning.

The lockdown is no longer in effect, but children will remain inside, there will be a police presence at dismissal, and visitors will be heavily monitored.