BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Police in Western New York are investigating alleged "swatting" incidents at some local schools.
Thursday morning New York State police released a statement on social media that said it was aware of swatting incidents across the state and continued on to say "all of the reports are unfounded. We are working alongside our federal & local partners to investigate the threats."
7 News received the following statement from an FBI spokesperson about the incidents:
“The FBI is aware of the numerous swatting incidents wherein a report of an active shooter at a school is made. The FBI takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.”
In Buffalo, police responded to a weapons call at South Park High School around 10:45 a.m. Thursday. The school was put in a shelter in place and a search of school grounds was completed. Police said no weapon was located and it is believed it was a fake call. Police are investigating the incident and if it is linked to the alleged swatting calls.
In Lockport, a statement on the Lockport City School District informed parents and staff that it was recently notified that there may have been an active shooter at the high school. The district said all schools in the district were placed on lockdown and it has now learned that the information may have been part of the alleged swatting calls.
In Olean, police said officers responded to the report of an active shooter at Archbishop Walsh High School around 11:20 a.m. All available resources responded and the school was placed on lockdown. A search was conducted and police determined it was a prank or "swatting" call. It remains under investigation.
"Olean Police dispatch received a phone call at approximately 11:20 a.m. this morning from an unknown male reporting that there was an active shooter incident taking place at Archbishop school located on N. 24th St.. All available resources responded and entered the school. School officials placed the school in lock-down and Officers searched the school. We have determined this was a prank or "swatting" call. We are still investigating this incident."
In Jamestown, a statement on the Jamestown Public Schools website says:
"As a result of a state-wide hoax being perpetuated across all counties in New York, hundreds of school districts have received false swatting calls. There has been no evidence that these calls are founded. Out of an abundance of caution, all JPS schools have been placed on a lockout this afternoon. During a lockout, no one can leave or enter buildings. Instruction will continue as normal. JPS will send more information as it becomes available."
In Silver Creek, a statement on the Silver Creek Central School District website says:
"Approximately 40 minutes ago a 911 call came into Mayville dispatch that there was an active shooter in Silver Creek and Jamestown. Evidently, these types of "prank calls" are occurring in all four counties and across the state. Yesterday there were similar "prank" calls placed in Pennsylvania. After learning about the call, our SRO, along with other law enforcement and administration cleared the buildings and grounds. We secured all entrances and went into a shelter and place. Once law enforcement confirmed that there was no credible threat, we lifted the shelter in place and resumed normal activity."
The district also posted a follow-up statement shortly after:
"We are posting again to share an important update regarding the regional and statewide hoax about school shootings that occurred this morning. These calls were made to a wide variety of school districts and are totally unfounded and School District officials and law enforcement officers are all aware of the "swatting" (hoax or prank calls) designed to elicit widespread panic/concern. Presently, there is a regional response from school leaders to reassure our communities that there is no credibility to these phone calls or internet statements.
Please know, we will always take these situations, concerns, and threats seriously. We are 100 percent committed to student/school safety and not becoming complacent with our reactions to each and every threat.
At this point, Buffalo area TV media is also reinforcing the message that these are false claims. Thank you for your understanding."
In Salamanca, police also responded to a related incident.
