West Hartford School Put On Lockdown After Threat: Schools

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Police and school officials are investigating a threat at a West Hartford middle school that briefly had the school on lockdown, a situation that was later deemed a swatting incident on Wednesday.

King Philip Middle School temporarily implemented emergency security protocols Wednesday morning after receiving a report of a possible threat to the school, according to district officials.

The school first entered a "Secure the School" protocol at approximately 9:08 a.m. after the report was received. The response was later elevated to a "Secure the Classroom" protocol at about 9:30 a.m. while the West Hartford Police Department investigated.

In a message to families, middle school administrators said police responded immediately and conducted a thorough investigation of the concern.

District officials said they had received information about similar "swatting" threats occurring elsewhere in Connecticut.

Out of an abundance of caution, police conducted a safety sweep of the school before the "Secure the Classroom" protocol was lifted at approximately 10:20 a.m.

School officials said all students and staff remained safe throughout the incident.

The investigation affected several scheduled field trips.

All buses carrying eighth-grade students departed for High Meadow Resort, and all but one bus carrying sixth-grade students left for Quassy Amusement Park as planned.

Officials said one sixth-grade bus was temporarily delayed while it was checked during the safety sweep before being released.

The security response also delayed the departure of seventh-grade students for a scheduled field trip.

Administrators thanked the WHPD, school security personnel, teachers and students for their response during the incident.

"We are deeply grateful for the swift response of the West Hartford Police Department, our school security team, our teachers, and our students," wrote officials in the letter to parents. "Their calm cooperation allowed us to address the situation efficiently and effectively."

District officials said they could not provide additional details about the incident at this time but emphasized that student safety remains the district's top priority.

The district also encouraged families to contact school administrators or counselors if students need support following the incident.