(WTVF) — Lockdowns have been lifted at multiple Tennessee schools after authorities determined threats made Monday morning were part of a broader swatting incident targeting campuses across the state.
Officials described swatting as prank calls, often made from out of state, intended to create fear and provoke a large law enforcement response.
The FBI addressed the incidents, saying it is aware of multiple swatting cases involving schools and is coordinating with law enforcement partners.
“The FBI is seeing an increase in swatting events across the country, and we take potential hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk,” the FBI wrote in a statement to NewsChannel 5.
The agency added that it works closely with local and state law enforcement to assess the credibility of threats, share information and take appropriate investigative action. The FBI also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Williamson County Schools said Franklin High School and Page High School were both placed on lockdown after receiving threatening phone calls. Local law enforcement agencies and Homeland Security responded and investigated the incidents.
District officials said law enforcement and Homeland Security determined there was no active threat to Williamson County schools, and the lockdowns at Franklin High and Page High were lifted Monday.
Due to disruptions caused by the incident, all classes scheduled Monday at the EIC campus adjacent to Franklin High School were canceled. Students assigned to those classes were instructed to remain at their home high school campuses.
Williamson County Schools said all other schools were operating on a normal schedule for the remainder of the day.
Rutherford County Schools also reported Monday morning that Smyrna High School, LaVergne High School and Holloway High School received threatening phone calls. All three campuses were placed on lockdown while law enforcement investigated.
District officials said students remained in classrooms during the lockdowns and no one was allowed to enter or leave the buildings until authorities gave clearance. School officials also noted that schools in other counties had received similar threats Monday morning.
The Jackson Police responded to Jackson Central-Merry High School after a 911 caller reported a possible act of violence and bomb threat at the school.
Police said no injuries or acts of violence were reported, and officers found no suspicious persons or items during a precautionary sweep of the campus. Authorities also urged parents not to come to the school while officers worked the scene in order to keep access clear for emergency vehicles and investigators.
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System officials also said Clarksville High School and Northwest High School were briefly placed on lockout Monday after law enforcement received reports of suspicious activity involving someone allegedly banging on exterior doors to gain entry.
District officials said law enforcement recommended the lockouts while officers investigated. The reports were later determined to be unsubstantiated, and the lockouts were lifted within about 15 minutes.
School officials said additional law enforcement presence remained on campuses Monday out of an abundance of caution. According to the district, investigators later determined the calls originated from outside IP addresses and were similar in nature to threats reported in other Tennessee counties earlier in the day.
The district said a lockout differs from a lockdown because normal activities continue inside the building while outdoor activities are moved indoors, exterior doors are secured and situational awareness is increased.
