12/11/2025
UPDATE
(4:50)
Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland said all lockdowns have been lifted and Highlands businesses are safe to reopen.
Pick up a copy of next week’s Highlander for complete coverage of this incident.
(4:20 pm)
Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland provided the following update:
On December 11 at approximately 10:40 a.m., the Highlands Police Department received a call reporting a threat directed at staff members of the Highlands Episcopal Church of the Incarnation at 520 Main St, Highlands, NC, which also includes a children’s day care. Our officers responded immediately, ensured everyone at the church was safe, and conducted a thorough sweep of the area.
Detective Amber Wright began investigating right away and began working to identify and contact the individual who made the call.
Out of an abundance of caution, we placed the surrounding area on lockdown, including nearby businesses, the Highlands School, and two additional day care facilities. We requested assistance from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and their Special Response Team, and we are grateful to have the support of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation as well. A bomb team was also brought in due to the caller’s claim of an explosive device.
Once we had sufficient law enforcement resources in place, officers and deputies began safely es**rting and evacuating the day care facilities, followed by others in the area.
This situation is still active and under investigation. We will share additional information as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
The safety of our community will always be our top priority. We sincerely appreciate your patience, cooperation, and support as we work through this incident.
UPDATE:
(1:38 p.m.) Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor says this is a credible threat.
The individual called twice and said there was a bomb in the day care center, located at the church. A bomb disposal team from Asheville is on its way.
Staff at The Highlander office, which is located directly across the street from the incident, have been asked to vacate the area.
ORIGINAL POST:
Due to a shooting threat made near the Episcopal Church in Highlands, The Town of Highlands is asking that people avoid the downtown Highlands area until further notice. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid Main Street, Church Street, and 5th Street. Highlands Police Chief Andrea Holland has asked that all downtown Highlands businesses go into lockdown until further notice.
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