Swatting leads to additional police presence at Delaware schools
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) -- An incident that Delaware State Police determined to be a hoax and a form of "swatting" led to heightened security at multiple school districts in Delaware. Officials say threats were made in phone calls.
Additional police were in place at Christina School District and Newark School District. Lockdowns started to be lifted Thursday afternoon.
Schools in Christina School District were ordered to shelter in place.
DSP are actively investigating threats made to multiple schools. There have been no safety concerns identified at this time. DSP is actively working with the schools as they initiate protocols to ensure the safety of all students and staff. Follow this feed for updates.
— Delaware State Police (@DEStatePolice) March 2, 2023
"Similar threats have been received statewide," Newark police said in a statement. "We have increased security at the schools as we investigate the validity of the threat and have been in contact with the Christina School District."
Delaware State Police said officers were conducting patrols at schools and that they hadn't identified safety concerns.
Officers are still at multiple schools throughout the state conducting patrols to ensure everyone's safety. Again, no threat has been identified. We are working with @DEDeptofEd to gather more information. Continue to follow for updates.
— Delaware State Police (@DEStatePolice) March 2, 2023
One Bancroft student whose father arrived to pick him up spoke with CBS Philadelphia.
"It was a first-time experience for me and my fellow classmates," the student said. "It was real nerve-wracking to be in a situation like that."
Delaware State Police said it is working with the Department Of Education to gather more information.
It says the schools are still completing their safety protocols, and lockdowns are starting to be lifted. Parents should wait for further instructions from their child's school.