IED event in United States of America on Thu 29th January 2026

Update 1:00 p.m. Jan. 29, 2026 — Helena Police have provided an update 
on a "suspicious device" found in the area near Helena High on Thursday.

Officials say officers received a report around 10 a.m. of a suspicious 
device on private property near the area of Dakota and Davis Street.

Due to the appearance of the device, officers proceeded as if it were a 
suspected improvised explosive device. Helena Schools Superintendent Rex
 Weltz said in a statement that a "jug of gasoline" and fireworks were 
discovered. HPD immediately requested assistance from the Lewis and 
Clark County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad, the Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the FBI.


"Due to the device’s proximity to a planned protest in the area of 
Helena High School, law enforcement worked in coordination with Helena 
Public Schools to notify school officials of the potential concern. As a
 precaution, officers conducted thorough searches of the area where the 
device was located, the surrounding neighborhood, and areas near Helena 
High School, including possible routes associated with the planned 
protest. No additional suspicious items were found," wrote Helena Police
 in a statement.

Helena Police added that there is no evidence indicating that the device
 is related to the planned protest, or that there is any ongoing threat 
to the school or community.

The incident remains under investigation.

Update 12:13 p.m. Jan. 29, 2026 — Helena Public Schools Superintendent 
Rex Weltz released a statement Thursday saying a "jug of gasoline" and 
fireworks were discovered across the street from Helena High, where a 
planned student protest was to be held.

"Helena Public Schools was notified of a jug of gasoline and fireworks 
discovered across the street from Helena High School and in near 
proximity of the student organized protest locations, but off-campus. 
While there is no known threats to school buildings at this time, the 
Helena Police Department (HPD) advised that student organized walk-outs 
be cancelled in an abundance of caution for all students' safety," wrote
 Weltz in a statement.

Weltz added they are working with the Helena Police Department and will 
continue to provide updates as they learn more.

Out of an abundance of caution, East Helena schools swept all of their 
buildings after learning about the situation in Helena. Superintendent 
Dan Rispens said nothing was discovered.

Update 11:50 p.m. Jan. 29, 2026 — There is a large law enforcement 
presence near the corner of Helena Avenue and Dakota Street. Members of 
the Helena Police and the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Office are 
present.

Original story - Helena High School officials say they are encouraging 
students to stay indoors following “dangerous substances” found at a 
nearby building.

The substances were discovered the same day a planned walkout was 
organized by students to protest federal ICE policies and the deaths of 
Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. At this time, it is unclear 
if the two are related.

Students and staff have been alerted, and staff told MTN there was no 
known harm to anyone at the school at this time.

Officials say no school is on lockdown, but Bryant Elementary and Helena
 Middle School are holding indoor recesses.

The Helena Police Department is investigating the situation.