Some suburban schools closed today after 'serious' safety threat

OAK LAWN, Ill. - A threatening message directed at a suburban elementary school closed all schools Friday in one district.

What we know:

Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 closed all schools after issuing a safety message to families at 7:16 a.m., officials said.

Oak Lawn police said they were notified of a "specific and serious threat" directed at Kolmar Elementary School. A person of interest has been identified and is cooperating with the investigation, police said.

Authorities said the individual was the victim of a "swatting"-type incident, in which someone allegedly used the person’s identity to make the threat.

Police said the threat has not been substantiated, and the investigation into its origin remains ongoing.

What they're saying:

"Out of an extreme abundance of caution, and in close coordination with the Oak Lawn Police Department, all District 123 schools will be closed today," Supt. Paul Enderle said in a letter to families.

"We know this kind of message is upsetting. Our priority is the safety of students and staff, and we will continue to communicate clearly as we learn more. We will send another update later today, even if the investigation is still ongoing," the message read.

What you can do:

Anyone with information that could help is asked to contact the Oak Lawn Police Department. In an emergency, call 911.

What's next:

All weekend activities and events at district schools have been canceled and will be rescheduled, the district said.

District officials said plans for next week will be announced later Friday afternoon.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.