Police Investigate Bomb Threat at Home of Pope's Brother

Threat deemed unfounded after bomb squad search of John Prevost's Chicago-area home

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker or crime scene tape against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a bomb threat.A police investigation into a bomb threat at the home of the Pope's brother reveals the need for vigilance against false reports that disrupt communities.Chicago Today

Police in a Chicago suburb spent Wednesday evening probing a bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo XIV's brother, John Prevost, that turned out to be a hoax. No explosives or hazardous materials were found, and investigators deemed the threat unfounded. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report.

Why it matters

Bomb threats targeting high-profile individuals or their family members are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement due to the potential for harm and disruption to the community. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and a thorough investigation to ensure public safety, even when threats are ultimately found to be false.

The details

Officers were called around 6:30pm to the residence of John Prevost, the pope's older brother, after a report that an explosive device might be on the property. Police set up a perimeter, brought in bomb-sniffing dogs, and asked nearby residents to leave their homes while the search was conducted. No explosives or hazardous materials were found, and the threat was deemed unfounded.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 around 6:30pm.

The players

John Prevost

The older brother of Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who is the brother of John Prevost.

Louis Prevost

The oldest of the three Prevost brothers, who lives in Florida.

President Trump

The former U.S. President who praised Louis Prevost for his criticism of Pope Leo XIV's anti-war remarks.

New Lenox Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the bomb threat at John Prevost's home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report.”

— New Lenox Police Department

“Louis is all MAGA. He gets it, and Leo doesn't!”

— President Trump

What’s next

The New Lenox Police Department is continuing to investigate the source of the bomb threat to determine if any criminal charges will be filed.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the serious nature of bomb threats, even when they turn out to be hoaxes. Law enforcement must respond swiftly and thoroughly to ensure public safety, while also working to identify the origin of such false reports in order to hold perpetrators accountable.