North Platte High School was placed in a SECURE status Monday after a swatting phone call falsely reported a potential danger outside the school, according to the North Platte Police Department.
Police said the threatening call was received shortly before the school entered SECURE status at 11:58 a.m. on May 11. The report prompted an immediate law enforcement response, with officers working alongside school officials as district safety protocols were put into place.
During the response, students and teachers reported seeing officers carrying rifles patrolling hallways and classrooms inside the school while authorities conducted a search of the premises.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., law enforcement completed what police described as a thorough search and determined there was no threat or danger to students or staff. The SECURE status was then lifted.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, North Platte Police said other schools across Nebraska also received similar threatening messages.
“We are grateful for the swift response from law enforcement, the cooperation of staff and students, and the patience and support of our community as we worked together to ensure everyone’s safety,” the department said.
Earlier Monday, Alliance High School was evacuated following a bomb threat authorities there said was likely not credible. At this time, it remains unknown whether the incidents are connected.