False Bomb Threat Targets Pope Leo XIV’s Brother in Illinois
Police in New Lenox, Illinois, investigated an unsubstantiated bomb threat against John Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV. Authorities evacuated nearby residents and conducted a thorough search, finding no explosives or injuries. The incident occurs amidst heightened tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration, following the Pope’s criticism of U.S. foreign policy and Trump’s public attacks on the pontiff. While no direct link to political rhetoric was established, the event underscores security risks for the Pope’s family during this diplomatic strain. The investigation remains active.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Bomb Threat Targets Chicago Home of Pope Leo's Brother Amid Tensions with Trump
A bomb threat was directed at the residence of John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo (born Robert Prevost), in the Chicago suburb of New Lenox on Wednesday evening. This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating public discord between the pontiff and former U.S. President Donald Trump, described in reports as an ongoing 'war' between the two figures. The targeting of the Pope's family member highlights the severe personal risks and heightened tensions surrounding the Vatican's current leadership amidst political friction with prominent American political figures. Law enforcement authorities responded to the threat in New Lenox, investigating the credibility of the danger posed to the Prevost family. The event underscores the intersection of religious authority and polarized political dynamics in the United States, drawing significant media attention to the safety of high-profile religious families. While no injuries were immediately reported in the summary details, the incident marks a serious escalation in hostility linked to the Pope's public stance and his contentious relationship with Trump.
Articles | Mail OnlinePope Leo's Brother Targeted in False Bomb Threat in Illinois
A false bomb threat was directed at the private residence of one of Pope Leo's brothers in New Lenox, Illinois, on Wednesday night. The New Lenox Police Department reported receiving a call regarding the threat at 6:29 p.m. In response, officers immediately dispatched to the scene and established a secure perimeter to ensure public safety. As a precautionary measure, surrounding homes were notified and residents were asked to evacuate. Specialized units, including the Will County Sheriff's Office bomb-sniffing K9 team, were requested to assist in the investigation. Authorities confirmed that no explosives were found and there were no injuries resulting from the incident. The police statement emphasized that making false reports of this nature is a serious offense that may lead to criminal charges. The incident remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the origin of the report. The public is encouraged to contact the New Lenox Police Department or submit anonymous tips via the Village of New Lenox website if they have any relevant information. This event occurs amidst heightened tensions involving Pope Leo, who has recently spoken out against the war in Iran.
ABC News: Top StoriesPolice Investigate Bomb Threat at Pope Leo XIV’s Brother’s Home in Illinois
Police in New Lenox, a suburb southwest of Chicago, Illinois, investigated a bomb threat directed at the residence of John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV. Officers responded to the scene on Friday evening, prompting the evacuation of neighboring homes as a precautionary measure. The Will County Sheriff’s Office assisted the investigation by deploying bomb-sniffing dogs to search the property. Following a thorough examination, authorities confirmed that no explosives or hazardous devices were found, determining that there was no active threat to public safety. The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political tension between the Vatican and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The feud stems from Pope Leo’s critical stance on the ongoing war in Iran and his opposition to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. While President Trump has publicly criticized the Pope’s views and claimed personal affinity for the Pope’s other brother, Louis, the Pontiff has maintained his role as a peacemaker, emphasizing the Gospel message over political maneuvering. This event highlights the intersection of religious authority and contemporary geopolitical conflicts involving the United States.
The Independent WorldPolice Investigate Bomb Threat at Chicago-Area Home of Pope Leo's Brother
Law enforcement authorities in Illinois are currently investigating a bomb threat directed at the residence of John Prevost, identified in reports as the brother of Pope Leo. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Prevost's home in New Lenox, a suburb located in the Chicago area. According to media outlets citing police sources, the threat prompted an immediate response from local authorities. A thorough search of the property was conducted to ensure public safety and verify the credibility of the threat. Fortunately, the investigation revealed no explosives, hazardous materials, or other dangerous devices at the location. Despite the negative findings, the case remains under active investigation to determine the source and motive behind the threat. Prevost reportedly resides on the same street that police have cited in relation to the incident. Attempts to obtain further official comments from the New Lenox Police Department were unsuccessful, as they did not return calls for comment regarding the report. This event highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile religious figures and their families, even in residential areas far from the Vatican.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastPolice Investigate Unsubstantiated Bomb Threat at Pope Leo XIV's Brother's Home
Police in New Lenox, Illinois, are investigating a bomb threat directed at the residence of John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV. The threat was reported on the evening of April 15, prompting authorities to evacuate nearby homes and conduct a thorough search of the area. On April 16, officials confirmed that no explosives or hazardous materials were found, declaring the threat unsubstantiated. The investigation remains ongoing to identify the source of the false report. This incident occurs amidst heightened political tension between the Vatican and the United States government. It follows recent criticisms by President Donald Trump against Pope Leo XIV, who has been an outspoken critic of the war in Iran. The Pope, originally from Chicago, recently delivered strong remarks in Cameroon condemning global conflicts and tyrannical leadership. While Trump attacked the Pope's stance, he simultaneously praised another of the Pope's brothers for supporting his political movement. The event highlights the intersection of religious authority and contemporary geopolitical conflicts, drawing significant media attention to the safety of the Pontiff's family members in the Chicago area.
The Straits Times World NewsPolice Investigate False Bomb Threat at Pope Leo XIV's Brother's Home Amid Trump Feud
Police in New Lenox, Illinois, investigated a bomb threat at the residence of John Prevost, brother of Pope Leo XIV, on Wednesday night. The threat was determined to be false, resulting in no injuries after neighbors were temporarily evacuated and a comprehensive search was conducted. This incident occurs during a period of heightened tension between President Donald Trump and the Pope. Trump has publicly criticized Pope Leo for opposing U.S. military actions in Iran and Lebanon and for criticizing his administration's policies. While there is no tangible evidence linking the bomb threat to Trump's rhetoric, the President recently praised the Pope's other brother, Louis Prevost, a MAGA supporter, while attacking the pontiff's stance on crime and foreign policy. Additionally, the Trump administration has canceled funding for Catholic Charities in Miami as part of the ongoing dispute. The investigation into the bomb threat remains ongoing, though authorities have not established a direct connection to the political conflict.
The New RepublicNew Lenox Police Investigate Unsubstantiated Bomb Threat Against Pope Leo XIV’s Brother
New Lenox police are investigating a bomb threat directed at the residence of John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV. Authorities responded to the report on Wednesday evening but determined the threat was unsubstantiated, finding no explosive devices or hazardous materials. Nearby residents who had been evacuated were allowed to return home, and no injuries were reported. Police Chief Micah Nuesse stated that the investigation is active and ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying the origin of the false report, which constitutes a serious criminal offense. The FBI is aware of the incident and coordinating with local law enforcement. This security incident occurs amidst heightened political tensions between the Vatican and the White House. President Donald Trump recently criticized Pope Leo XIV as weak while praising the Pope’s other brother, Louis Prevost, for his political alignment. The event highlights the security challenges faced by the family of the Chicago-native pontiff during a period of diplomatic strain over international conflicts.
chicagotribune