Jan. 16, 2026 — Redmond, Wash. Redmond High School closed Friday after staff discovered a threatening message on a bathroom wall and reported it to the Redmond Police Department around 11 a.m. Thursday.
The nonspecific threat referenced Friday, prompting the closure out of an abundance of caution, according to the Redmond Reporter.
Juanita High School and the Futures School at Juanita High also shuttered on Friday due to a similar threat found there earlier in the week.
Redmond police coordinated with Kirkland Police Department on the Juanita incident and boosted patrols at other Lake Washington School District schools, including Horace Mann Elementary School.
“There were no other threats at other schools, but, to assist with parent concerns and to be overly cautious, we adjusted patrols to be in and near schools this morning… As the next few days go on, we’ll know more about the need for coverage next week.”
— Becky Range, Redmond Police public information officer
Police declined to release a photo of the threat or further details on its content to avoid compromising the investigation. The public was asked to share tips by calling Redmond police at (425) 556-2500.
All activities at the closed schools were canceled, and the missed day will be made up by adding an extra day to the school year. Nearby Hartman Pool also closed due to its proximity to Redmond High School.
The Lake Washington School District superintendent emphasized student safety in a statement.
“The safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance. Out of an abundance of caution, since we cannot yet determine the credibility of these threats, we have made the difficult decision to close Juanita High School and Redmond High School.”
— Dr. Traci Pierce, LWSD superintendent
As of Friday morning, the investigations were ongoing with no arrests reported.
This incident echoes a similar event on Feb. 5, 2016, when both schools closed after threats were found in bathrooms, as covered by KOMO News, the Seattle Times, and KIRO7.
