False Bomb Threat Targets Home of Pope Leo's Brother

Police respond to call, secure perimeter, and investigate origin of report

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police radio or other small crime scene evidence object, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The false bomb threat at the home of Pope Leo's brother exposes the serious consequences of making such dangerous reports.New Lenox Today

A private residence in New Lenox, Illinois belonging to one of Pope Leo's brothers was the target of a false bomb threat on Wednesday evening, according to local police. Officers immediately responded, established a secure perimeter, and requested specialized units to assist in the investigation, but no explosives were found and no injuries were reported.

Why it matters

While no one was harmed, this incident highlights the serious nature of making false reports about potential threats to public safety, which can divert critical emergency resources and cause unnecessary panic in the community. Authorities are now working to determine the origin of the call and may pursue criminal charges.

The details

Police received a call about the reported bomb threat at 6:29 p.m. on Wednesday at a private residence in New Lenox. Officers quickly responded, secured the area, and notified nearby residents to evacuate as a precaution. Specialized units, including a bomb-sniffing K9 from the Will County Sheriff's Office, were brought in to assist with the investigation, but no explosives were found at the scene.

  • The call about the bomb threat came in at 6:29 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo

The current Pope of the Catholic Church.

New Lenox Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the false bomb threat.

Will County Sheriff's Office

The county-level law enforcement agency that provided specialized bomb-sniffing K9 units to assist in the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report. Making false reports of this nature is a serious offense and may result in criminal charges.”

— New Lenox Police Department

What’s next

The New Lenox Police Department is continuing to investigate the source of the false bomb threat, and may pursue criminal charges against the individual(s) responsible.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from making false reports about potential threats to public safety. While no one was harmed, the response from law enforcement diverted critical resources and caused unnecessary panic in the community.