diff --git a/src/khoj/routers/helpers.py b/src/khoj/routers/helpers.py
index b0d649ad..d93e8a49 100644
--- a/src/khoj/routers/helpers.py
+++ b/src/khoj/routers/helpers.py
@@ -324,6 +324,7 @@ async def acheck_if_safe_prompt(system_prompt: str, user: KhojUser = None, lax:
         safe: bool
         reason: Optional[str] = ""
 
+    response = None
     with timer("Chat actor: Check if safe prompt", logger):
         try:
             response = await send_message_to_model_wrapper(