School Shooting Phone Call Hoax Targeting Wisconsin Districts

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Area school districts are targets of a new school shooting phone call hoax known as “swatting.” This practice involves a prank call to law enforcement services that is sent to draw a large law enforcement response to a particular address, lately targeting schools. In each case so far, law enforcement and school officials have determined no active threat to student safety. 

“While we have not received one…we have been made aware of some districts in our area that have,” Wausau School District Administration stated. “While this threat is a likely hoax, we understand the anxiety a situation like this can cause…We take any and all reports of potential threats seriously, and we are making every effort to maintain an environment where students and staff feel safe.”

Most notably, Stevens Point Area High School was targeted earlier this afternoon.

Marshfield Police Department is aware of these incidents and while not aware of any immediate threat to student safety in local schools, officers are monitoring the situation and remain on alert.

Students and all staff are encourage to report anything that could be considered a threat to school safety.

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