Investigation Underway Following Hoax Active Shooter Threat: City Of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — A report of an active shooter at Stamford High School Friday morning was deemed to be false, according to Stamford Emergency Management, and an "active investigation is underway" to find those responsible, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons' office said.

Several school districts around the state went into lockdown Friday after receiving similar false reports of active shooter threats.

SHS was placed in a lockdown shortly before 9 a.m., after the school received a false report of an active shooter in the building.

"The school was immediately put on lockdown and the Stamford Police Department responded and all protocols were followed by staff and students," Simmons' office said. "All necessary precautions were taken and in an abundance of caution, Stamford police made the decision to lock down all Stamford Public schools until the threat was vetted."

During the process of notifying all Stamford schools, the original incident at the high school was deemed a hoax and the district-wide lockdown was lifted at 9:11 a.m.

"This was a fluid and fast-moving incident. We are aware that not all schools went into a lockdown, but that was due to the Stamford Police Department vetting this incident quickly as a hoax within 16 minutes, and some schools were just being notified as they lifted the district-wide lockdown," the city said. "Due to the number of emergency personnel and the size of the Stamford High School campus, that lockdown remained in place and was lifted at 9:30 am. At that point, students and staff were notified and classes resumed."

A false report of an active shooter was also reported at Harding High School in Bridgeport Friday, and at Staples High School and Bedford Middle School in Westport.

According to WFSB, Windsor Locks Middle School was placed on lockdown, and a false threat was made to Enfield High School.

"The Stamford Police Department has been notified that other Fairfield County school districts received similar threats this morning. We were advised they are continuing their investigation with the other communities affected, and will consult with the FBI, if necessary, for assistance," the city said.

Also known as "swatting," these types of incidents are on the rise in Connecticut and around the country, Simmons' office said.

"We know these incidents are stressful for parents and students, but we would like to assure everyone that safety in our district is paramount, and we are satisfied with the way the Stamford Public Schools and Emergency Services handled this situation and rendered the school safe," Simmons' office added. "We have staff social workers available on site for anyone who would like to talk about this or have any additional concerns."