Lockdown lifted at Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance after suspicious package investigation

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) [UPDATE 3:45 P.M.] - A lockdown has been lifted at the Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance after police investigated a suspicious package outside the building Thursday.

Around 11:15 a.m. Thursday, a member of the JEA saw a suspicious package being placed on the windshield of a car in the parking lot, according to a press release by the organization.

Savannah Police were notified and recommended a precautionary lockdown. A section of Abercorn St. was closed while police investigated, and has since reopened.

SPD’s bomb squad was called in to remove the package and asses its contents. No injuries were reported, all the JEA is now operating under normal procedures.

“We are grateful for the urgency shown by the Savannah Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, and appreciate the patience and cooperation displayed by our community,” JEA President Sam Friedman said. “Given the current international political environment and the recent escalation of antisemitic activity, we take even the smallest actions very seriously.”

[ORIGINAL STORY] There is currently a police presence at DeRenne and Abercorn due to a suspicious package in the area, the Savannah Police Department has confirmed to WTOC.

Locals and travelers are advised to avoid the area at this time. In a social media post, SPD says both northbound and southbound traffic on Abercorn Street is blocked from Brandywine Rd. to E. 67th St.

The Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance said they are monitoring a developing security situation. Everyone in the building is safe, confirmed the JEA.

Savannah Police told WTOC the parent staging area for pickup at the JEA is at the Family Dollar on Abercorn and DeRenne.

WTOC has a crew on the way to the scene now and will provide updates as they become available.