Pope Leo XIV's brother, John Prevost, receives unfounded bomb threat, New Lenox, IL police say; Trump, pontiff exchange comments
Share this @internewscast.com

A bomb threat targeting the brother of Pope Leo XIV was reported on Wednesday night, according to New Lenox police.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Authorities responded to the call at approximately 6:29 p.m., which involved the residence of John Prevost.

“As a precautionary measure, nearby residents were notified and asked to evacuate their homes,” the police stated.

The investigation revealed no explosives at the scene, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

“The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to trace the source of the threat. It is essential to note that making false reports of this nature is a serious offense and could lead to criminal charges,” police emphasized.

Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in their investigation.

ABC7 Chicago spoke with Prevost shortly after the Chicago-born pope was elected.

He did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.

The bomb threat comes amid some back-and-forth between the pope and President Donald Trump.

Cardinal Blase Cupich commented Thursday on the exchanges between the pontiff and the president.

Cardinal Blase Cupich is commenting on the back and forth between Chicago native Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump.

New Lenox officials said the threat was brief, and police remain vigilant.

Officers remain stationed in the area just to keep an eye on the neighborhood.

The threat was emailed to New Lenox police and the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

“We worked with the Will County bomb unit, and they had their dogs out there. And they did a great job of searching the area inside and then and out. We did it all,” Mayor Tim Baldermann said. “It was certainly a direct threat to the resident that was living there. There were some tones in that that might have been perceived as political in nature.”

Neighbors witnessed the disturbance Wednesday night.

“And I see a cop car right there. He’s pointing, with traffic cones. And I looked out my window, and then down there they were, like, also blocked off that area,” Patrick Mayhugh said.

Gov. JB Pritzker called the threat disheartening.

“The idea of political violence, we all should be standing up against that sort of thing and making sure that we’re keeping people safe. But also the rhetoric, the level of rhetoric needs to come down,” Pritzker said.

The FBI is now assisting local police in trying to track down the source of the threat.

“When you’re certainly not involved in it yourself, to be subjected to this type of criminal behavior, it’s really incredibly disappointing and just a sad state of affairs,” Baldermann said.

If authorities can determine who sent in the threat, that person could face local and federal charges.

For now, the neighborhood hopes things settle down.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Infused Shabbat dinners are bringing New Yorkers together

Infused Shabbat Dinners Unite New Yorkers in Culinary and Community Harmony

They’re igniting new traditions while celebrating old ones. A community of cannabis-loving…
Skokie rally seeks to take stand against antisemitism after alleged incidents at Central, Lorel parks

Skokie Unites: Rallying Against Antisemitism Amid Park Incidents

In Skokie, Illinois, a community organized a poignant gathering on Tuesday evening…
Woman from Brazil identified as Ironman participant who drowned in Lake Woodlands, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says

Brazilian Ironman Competitor Tragically Drowns in Lake Woodlands, Confirms Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

A tragic incident unfolded at an Ironman competition in The Woodlands, Texas,…
Woman opens fire on Maryland gas station clerk during attempted robbery

Shocking Attempted Robbery: Woman Fires Gun at Maryland Gas Station Clerk

The Howard County Police Department in Maryland has made a public appeal…
Scandal-hit Cornerstone Sonoma set for comeback after $10.6M rescue deal

Cornerstone Sonoma Poised for Revival Following $10.6 Million Rescue Deal

What was once a thriving hub in Wine Country, now on the…
Influencer who drowned at Texas Ironman had battled flu

Tragic Loss: Influencer Succumbs to Drowning at Texas Ironman After Flu Battle

A glamorous influencer who tragically drowned during an Ironman event in Texas…
Mexico to beef up security at tourist sites after shooting at pyramids in lead up to World Cup

Mexico Enhances Tourist Site Security Ahead of World Cup: Measures Tightened After Pyramids Shooting

The Mexican government has announced plans to enhance security at popular tourist…
Car explodes during alleged street takeover on Chicago's South Side as city battles wave of incidents

Dramatic Car Explosion Rocks Chicago’s South Side Amid Ongoing Street Takeover Surge

Over the weekend, a vehicle detonated during a suspected street takeover on…
Virginia redistricting vote results: Virginia election results include approval of plan that could help Democrats in 2026 midterms

Virginia Redistricting Vote: Approved Plan Poised to Benefit Democrats in 2026 Midterms

WASHINGTON — In a move that could enhance the Democratic Party’s prospects…
DOJ arrests man accused of providing gun used by father who allegedly killed eight children

DOJ Arrests Suspect for Supplying Gun in Tragic Shooting of Eight Children

The Department of Justice revealed on Tuesday the arrest of a 56-year-old…
DOJ charges Southern Poverty Law Center with fraud for paying white supremacist groups $3M to 'stoke racial hatred'

DOJ Accuses Southern Poverty Law Center of $3M Fraud Scheme Involving Payments to White Supremacist Groups

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice revealed that a grand jury has…
Dr. Oz touts 'Fraud War Room,' ending payments to 400 Calif. hospices over fears of $100B fraud

Dr. Oz Launches ‘Fraud War Room’ to Combat $100 Billion Hospice Scam in California

WASHINGTON — In a sweeping move by the Centers for Medicare &…