No danger found at Ligon Middle School in Raleigh after evacuation. What we know.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Ligon Middle evacuated for a potential threat; building checked and cleared.
- Students and staff moved to the gym; law enforcement supervised and investigated.
- Parents may pick up students via Church Street carpool; bring ID and expect delays.
Students are being allowed to leave early Tuesday from Ligon Middle School in Raleigh following an evacuation for a threat that turned out to be unfounded.
Students and staff were initially evacuated from the downtown Raleigh school before later being relocated to the gymnasium, according to updates posted on the school’s website. Wake County school security and law enforcement determined there was no threat to the school after completing a check of the building, according to Ligon.
Delays expected picking up students
Parents who wish to pick up their students early should follow the carpool line into the parking lot on Church Street. Parents should bring their identification. Students being picked up early will leave from the gym.
Ligon warned parents that if they check their student out early then they should anticipate delays due to increased traffic around the campus.
Due to the expected increase in the number of students who will check out early, Ligon said it will minimize transitions in the building for the remainder of the school day. Student belongings will remain in locked classrooms Tuesday evening. Students will retrieve them during arrival Wednesday morning.
Morning evacuation
At 11:30 a.m., all students and staff had been evacuated from the downtown Raleigh school due to a potential threat. Ligon said the evacuation would allow Wake County school security and law enforcement to assess the building and investigate.
At 11:56 a.m., the school posted an update that Wake County school security and law enforcement had checked the gymnasium for potential threats and found it to be safe. Ligon said law enforcement and staff were providing supervision while the school relocated students and staff to the gym and the investigation continued.
At a 1:02 p.m. update, Ligon said it would continue with the school day in the gym and food would be provided to all students who did not receive lunch during the first two periods.
This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 12:35 PM.
