False Bomb Threat Targets Home of Pope Leo's Brother

Police responded to the incident in New Lenox, Illinois, but found no explosives.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:28am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a partially disassembled electronic device, such as a circuit board or sensor, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background. The image conveys a sense of investigation and the technical nature of the evidence, without depicting any actual violence or victims.A close-up of a dismantled electronic device highlights the technical nature of the evidence in a false bomb threat investigation.New Lenox Today

One of Pope Leo XIV's brothers was the victim of a false bomb threat on Wednesday evening in New Lenox, Illinois, according to local police. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene, established a secure perimeter, and evacuated nearby homes as a precaution. Specialized units, including a bomb-sniffing K9, assisted in the investigation, but no explosives were found and there were no injuries. The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report.

Why it matters

False bomb threats are a serious offense that can cause significant disruption and fear in a community. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and a swift response from law enforcement to ensure public safety, even when threats turn out to be unfounded.

The details

According to the New Lenox Police Department, officers received a call at 6:29 p.m. on Wednesday reporting a bomb threat at a private residence. Police immediately dispatched officers to the scene, established a secure perimeter, and asked nearby residents to evacuate as a precaution. Specialized units, including a Will County Sheriff's Office bomb-sniffing K9, were called in to assist with the investigation. After a thorough search, no explosives were found, and there were no injuries reported.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 16, 2026 at 6:29 p.m.

The players

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 law enforcement agency that provided a bomb-sniffing K9 to assist in the investigation.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, whose brother's home was the target of the false bomb threat.

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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 perpetrator.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that false bomb threats, even when no explosives are found, can cause significant disruption and fear in a community. Law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant and respond swiftly to ensure public safety, while also working to identify and hold accountable those responsible for such hoaxes.