MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Two teenagers have been arrested after allegedly posting a bomb threat on social media, claiming an explosive device was inside New Vision Church on North Thompson Lane. The threat, made on Wednesday evening, April 23, prompted a full evacuation of the church.
Church security staff quickly identified one of the teens responsible for the post. Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) officers brought the juvenile, along with his parents, to police headquarters for questioning. During the investigation, a second teenager was also identified and both were subsequently charged with filing a false report.
At the time of the threat, around 6:43 p.m., nearly 600 middle school students were participating in a weekly youth event. In addition, several adult small groups, as well as children and preschool groups, were present. The church was evacuated immediately as a precaution.
Bomb detection K9 units from both MPD and Middle Tennessee State University Police swept the building. No explosives were found during the search.
“MPD takes threats of this nature seriously,” said Public Safety Information Director Larry Flowers. “We want to remind young people that engaging in these acts is not a harmless prank; it’s a criminal offense that has consequences.”
The two juveniles were transported to the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center following their arrest.
PREVIOIUSLY REPORTED
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — New Vision Baptist Church Pastor Brady Cooper is praising God and the preparedness of the church’s Safety Team following a bomb threat that disrupted services and led to the evacuation of the Battlefield Campus on Wednesday night.
“On Wednesday night, our church's Safety Team was made aware of a potential threat at the Battlefield Campus. We took this threat very seriously and immediately activated our safety protocol in conjunction with local law enforcement,” Pastor Brady shared in a message to the church family.
The threat, which was reported just before 7:00 p.m., prompted an immediate emergency response. With direction from the Murfreesboro Police Department, all ministry areas were evacuated, and the remainder of the evening’s activities were canceled.
“Based on guidance from the Murfreesboro Police Department, all ministry areas were promptly evacuated from the building, and all remaining activities for the evening were canceled as a precaution. Law enforcement conducted a thorough investigation and sweep of the building and determined there was no actual threat. For that, we praise the Lord.”
Pastor Brady also extended gratitude to first responders and reaffirmed the church’s cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
“We will continue to cooperate with the police department in any way we can as they continue their investigation. We appreciate the swift response of the Murfreesboro Police Department, the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department, and Rutherford County EMS.”
Authorities later confirmed that a teenager had been detained in connection with the online threat. Police emphasized that although no explosives were found, all such threats are treated with the utmost seriousness.
In his message, Pastor Brady highlighted the church’s commitment to safety and praised both the Safety Team and ministry volunteers.
“We are very grateful for the preparedness and training of our church Safety Team that led to an immediate and decisive response to the threat. Their protocols, including coordination with MPD, were invaluable,” he said. “Additionally, the church staff and volunteers in each ministry area did a great job of navigating the situation. The safety and well-being of our church family is our highest priority, and we thank all those who helped care for everyone here on Wednesday night.”
To close his message, Pastor Brady offered support to families and individuals still processing the event.
“Thank you for your understanding, support, and prayers. If families or children have questions or need support following this event, our staff and pastoral team are available to connect.”
PREVIOIUSLY REPORTED
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Murfreesboro Police and Fire Rescue responded Wednesday evening to an online bomb threat directed at New Vision Church on Thompson Lane, prompting a full evacuation of the busy church campus.
The threat was reported at 6:43 p.m., as the church hosted its regular Wednesday night programming, which typically draws thousands of students and adults for worship services and small group activities.
As a precaution, the entire facility was evacuated while authorities worked to assess the threat's credibility. The Murfreesboro Police Department urged the public to stay clear of the area during the investigation.
Several hours later, MPD confirmed that no explosive device was found inside the church. Following the investigation, a teenager was detained in connection to the threat and is accused of being responsible for making the alarming online message.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet released further details about the teen or potential charges. Police emphasized that all threats of this nature are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.
VIDEO BELOW: New Vision Middle School Pastor Ross Harvey was wrapping up his message to students who had gathered in the worship center when he was told by church security to begin the process of exiting the building due to an online bomb threat. Church security and Murfreesboro Police secured the scene and evacuated the entire facility. The threat was received, according to Murfreesboro Police Public Information Officer Larry Flowers around 6:53pm.
