The Nation's Second Largest School District Is Closed Due to a "Credible" Terror Threat

The nation's second largest school district is closed today after receiving a "credible terror threat." More than 700,000 Los Angeles students were told to stay home today after the Los Angeles Unified School District schools received electronic communication about possible violence involving backpacks and packages left at campuses. The LAUSD responded by closing more than 900 schools, telling parents to keep their children home and to pick up any students who have already been dropped off at its facilities.

"I think it's important to take this precaution based on what has happened recently and what has happened in the past," LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines said. "We get threats all the time. This was a rare threat."

In describing the threat, Cortines said the school was "not specifically identified" but directed at students at "many schools." Coming less than two weeks after the latest terror attack on the nation, the school system is working with the Los Angeles Police Department and FBI to investigate the threat.

"I am not taking the chance of bringing children any place, into any part of the building, until I know it is safe," Cortines said.

There is no word yet on how long schools will remain closed.