Deerfield High Receives 'Unsettling' Bomb Threat In Swatting Incident: Superintendent

DEERFIELD, IL — There is an increased police presence at Deerfield High School Monday following the school receiving a bomb threat over the weekend. Following a forensic review, Deerfield police, with guidance from the FBI, determined the threat was not credible, and it is being considered part of a swatting incident that also was received by other local school districts.

According to Superintendent Dr. Chala Holland in a letter to the District 113 community, the school became aware of the threat at 9:25 a.m. Monday morning, following the discovery of a voicemail that had been left the prior day at 11:26 a.m. on the school's main number.

Holland said the school immediately reached out to the Deerfield Police Department and district administration. Police took over the forensic investigation of the threat, while the building was searched by K9 teams trained in detecting firearms as well as explosives, as an additional precautionary step.

During the investigation, it was learned other local school districts received a similar threat with the same exact verbiage that went to Deerfield High School.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have an increased police presence onsite at Deerfield High School and are continuing to monitor this situation," Holland said. "We recognize that this information is extremely unsettling."

Parent or caregivers of students that would like to speak with someone regarding this incident are encouraged to call the Deans’ Office at 224-632-3004, or email jjimenez@dist113.org or eauston@dist113.org.

In addition, students who wish to talk to someone or who may be in need of support should contact their school counselor, Holland said. Staff can also contact members of the Principal team or Department Chair of Counseling.

Officials said members of the District 113 community can submit a concern anonymously through the D113 Tip Line. Tips can be submitted by phone or text at 844-224-1521, or through the web portal. For additional information regarding any of the district's safety protocols, contact Lane Linder, director of security (llinder@dist113.org).