Alleged prank threats reported at schools across Michigan, including Benton Harbor High School
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - A threat called in to Benton Harbor High School Tuesday morning was determined to be a prank, according to Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Butts. The call is apparently one of many to school districts across the state.
Michigan State Police reported a number of "swatting" calls were made to K-12 schools in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Jackson and Okemos, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
"Swatting" is a prank call made to emergency services to dispatch law enforcement to a specific location, Nessel said.
At 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, a caller said a person with a gun was inside Benton Harbor High School, according to Butts.
The school went on a "hard lockdown" with students and teachers sheltering in place as a precaution.
Heavily armed police searched the school but found no threat, reports said.
Today, numerous reports of bomb threats & active shooter “swatting” calls to schools throughout the Fifth District, around the state & nationally are being investigated. Yesterday several Walmart stores were involved in false bomb threat reports. (Coldwater and Oakland County)1/4 pic.twitter.com/lblf7IckmF
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) February 7, 2023
We are receiving a number of false threats against schools across the state. Each threat is being investigated to ensure the safety of students and staff.
— Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) February 7, 2023
At this time, we are not aware of any specific or credible threats to K-12 educational facilities in Michigan. pic.twitter.com/SRuQbH8F7u