EUGENE, Ore. -- Bomb threats against two private Catholic schools delayed classes this morning before more threats prompted officials to cancel classes for the day as a precautionary measure. A Lutheran church also received a bomb threat this morning.

Police say the threats against Marist High School and O'Hara Catholic School came in around 7:18 a.m. Investigators say the threats are related to similar threats made on Tuesday that closed the two schools for the day.

A bomb threat was also made against Grace Lutheran Church in Eugene, Ore., according to police.

Police have not said how today's threats were made. On Tuesday, a threatening note found at O'Hara mentioned Marist by name. A second threatening note was later found at Marist.

The Eugene Police Department has launched a joint investigation with the FBI, according to Melinda Kletzok with the Eugene Police Department. The FBI will take on aspects of the case related to possible civil rights violations related to the threats targeting Catholic schools and a Lutheran church.

Police spent 6 hours Tuesday sweeping the grounds of O'Hara and Marist with bomb-sniffing dogs. Additional dogs were brought in from the Port of Portland and the Portland Police Bureau to assist in the search.

The two schools held classes on Wednesday. The schools initially delayed opening today after receiving the threat.

To date, no actual devices have been found but potentially serious crimes - such as the possible violations of federal civil rights and bombing statues as well as violations of state disorderly conduct laws - have already occurred, according to Eugene police.
 
"Bomb threats, even if they appear to be hoaxes, are taken seriously because of the potential threat to life and property," police said in a press release. "When threats are made, it is advisable for everyone to be especially alert to anything that appears suspicious or is out of the ordinary. It is important to know your area of ahead of time, know what is typical for your area, and to be aware of any changes. If you spot anything unusual, please report it to 9-1-1 and don’t go near the object."

Sutherlin schools delayed today

A bomb threat prompted school officials to delay the start of classes at Sutherlin High School by two hours this morning, according to a press release from the school district.

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