Bomb Threat Reported in New Lenox, Illinois

The New Lenox Police Department responded late Wednesday to a home on Sojourn Road following reports of a bomb threat. According to WMAQ-TV, the residence is owned by John Prevost, who is notably one of Pope Leo XIV’s older brothers and has a background in education.

Police arrived around 6:30 p.m. They set up a secure perimeter and evacuated nearby homes for safety.

“I’m not answering the phone anymore,” Prevost reportedly remarked during the incident.

Specialized teams, including the Will County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Detection Unit K-9s, were brought in to investigate the situation. Fortunately, they found no signs of explosives or any hazardous materials at the location.

The New Lenox Police Department emphasized that making false reports is a serious offense and could lead to legal repercussions.

The investigation into the bomb threat is ongoing.

In recent communication, Prevost shared that people have begun reaching out to him for prayer requests, with many mistakenly viewing him as a spokesperson for his brother in Rome.

He mentioned, “I don’t answer the phone anymore unless I know who’s calling.”

This bomb threat comes shortly after President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo regarding his stance on military actions involving the U.S. and Israel in Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that the Pope should “get his act together” and focus on his papal duties instead of political matters.

Trump’s comments, as well as the Pope’s response, have attracted a wave of criticism directed at Leo, particularly from conservative circles. “I strongly oppose war and continue to advocate for peace and dialogue between nations,” the Pope stressed.