BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Police in western New York are investigating a suspected “swatting” incident at some local schools.
thursday morning New York State Police Release Statement on Social Media The company said it was aware of swatting incidents statewide, adding: “All reports are baseless. We are working with federal and local partners to investigate the threat.”
7 News received the following statement from an FBI spokesperson regarding the incident:
“The FBI is aware of numerous cases of swatting where school shooters have been reported. The FBI takes swatting that endangers innocent people very seriously. While we have no information indicating possible threats, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather and share threat information and take action as we become aware of threat information. We urge people to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to law enforcement immediately.”
In Buffalo, police responded to a call to a weapon at South Park High School around 10:45 a.m. Thursday. The school was evacuated and a search of the school was completed. Police said the murder weapon was not found and that it was believed to be a fake call. Police are investigating the connection between the incident and the alleged swatting call.
WKBW
In Lockport, a statement for the Lockport City School District told parents and staff that it had recently been notified of a possible shooter at its high school. The school district announced that all schools in the district were on lockdown, but it turns out that information may have been part of the alleged swatting calls.
NC News Service
Olean City police said officers responded to a call that a shooting had occurred at Archbishop Walsh High School around 11:20 a.m., all available resources responded, and the school was put on lockdown. Announced. After a search, police determined it was a prank or a “fight” call. It’s still under investigation.
“At around 11:20 am this morning, the Olean Police Detachment received a call from an unknown man to say that there was a mass shooting at the Archbishop’s School on North 24th Street. I answered and entered the school.” “School authorities blocked the school and police searched the school. This incident is still under investigation. ”
Olean City Police Department
In Jamestown, the Jamestown Public Schools website reads:
“Hundreds of school districts have received bogus swatting calls as a result of the statewide hoax continuing in every county of New York. There is no evidence that these calls were created. , all JPS schools said, “A lockout was enforced this afternoon. No one is allowed to enter or leave the building during the lockout. Instruction will continue as normal. JPS will We will send more information as soon as it becomes available.”
At Silver Creek, the Silver Creek Central School District website states:
“About 40 minutes ago, a 911 call came into the Mayville Department regarding a shooter in Silver Creek and Jamestown. Clearly, these types of ‘prank calls’ are occurring in all four counties and throughout the state. There was a similar “prank call” yesterday. “There was a call in Pennsylvania. After learning about the call, our SRO, along with other law enforcement and government agencies, removed the building and property. Once law enforcement confirmed there were no credible threats, we removed the shelter and resumed normal operations.”
The school district also issued a follow-up statement shortly after.
“We are posting again to share an important update on the local and statewide hoax regarding the school shooting that occurred this morning. These calls were made to various school districts. , is completely unsubstantiated, and all school district officials and law enforcement officers are aware.” Now, to reassure the community that these phone calls and internet statements are not credible, school leaders A local response is taking place.
Please know that we always take these situations, concerns and threats seriously. We are 100% committed to the safety of our students and school and we are never satisfied with our response to any threat.
At this time, the Buffalo area television media also reinforces the message that these are false claims. thank you for understanding. ”
In Salamanca, police also responded to related incidents.
