Durham school evacuated after bomb threat

Research Triangle Charter Academy cleared as police investigate incident

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An extreme close-up of a police evidence marker on the ground, capturing the dramatic lighting and stark, gritty aesthetic to conceptually represent the investigation into a school bomb threat.A police investigation into a bomb threat at a Durham charter school exposes the harsh realities of school safety concerns.Durham Today

A bomb threat prompted the evacuation of Research Triangle Charter Academy in Durham, North Carolina on Monday morning. Students and staff were safely evacuated and reunited with families at a nearby location as police responded and investigated the incident.

Why it matters

Bomb threats at schools are a serious concern, disrupting the learning environment and causing anxiety for students, staff, and parents. This incident highlights the importance of school safety protocols and the need for continued vigilance to protect students.

The details

The campus on Ellis Road was cleared shortly after 7:30 a.m. as Durham police responded. Students and staff were evacuated to Marketplace at Ellis Crossing, less than half a mile from the school. Authorities remained on the scene for over two hours as they investigated the threat.

  • The evacuation occurred on Monday, April 6, 2026 around 7:30 a.m.

The players

Research Triangle Charter Academy

A charter school in Durham, North Carolina that serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

Durham Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the bomb threat and is investigating the incident.

Brandon Marsh

A parent of a student at Research Triangle Charter Academy.

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What they’re saying

“Just a little bit nervous. I think the school is doing everything they can do. I definitely feel for the parents who made may have had to go to work or drop their kid off and then come back. Fortunately, I'm able to keep him with me and we're just going to go back home.”

— Brandon Marsh, Parent

What’s next

The investigation into the bomb threat at Research Triangle Charter Academy remains ongoing. School staff will remain at the reunification site until all students have been picked up by their families.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of school safety protocols and the need for continued vigilance to protect students from potential threats. While the school and authorities responded appropriately, the disruption to learning and anxiety caused by such threats underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring a safe and secure educational environment.