Moberly schools went on lockdown Thursday afternoon after the Moberly Police Department received a reported threat, according to a social media post from the Moberly School District.
Law enforcement has determined the threat was a swatting call, which is a false report to emergency services meant to bring a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.
All buildings were checked and cleared, and all students and staff remained safe throughout the incident, according to the post.
Moberly School District Superintendent Cristina Wright told KOMU 8 News that the swatting call went directly to law enforcement and not to any school district personnel. She also said all eight school sites went on lockdown.
“Swatting is not a harmless prank,” the Moberly Police Department wrote in a Facebook post about the incident. “It places first responders and the public at unnecessary risk, and it diverts emergency personnel away from real emergencies where help may be urgently needed. These incidents can result in significant criminal charges for those responsible.”
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
