Last Week's Hoboken School Lockdown Addressed By Schools Superintendent

HOBOKEN, NJ — After a Hoboken school and park were locked down last Thursday — the second school lockdown this month — the superintendent gave an update.

Johnson said in a letter to the school community that during the day last Thursday, a threat was phoned into Hoboken Middle School.

As with the Oct. 8 threat phoned in to Hoboken High School, two nearby school buildings were told to shelter in place as a precautionary measure.

And in both cases, the main schools were searched by police and determined to be clear of danger.

Late last week, Johnson wrote, "Hoboken Middle School received a call that was identified as a potential threat. The potential threat was not specific to Hoboken Middle School or any particular individual."

She noted, "I recognize that situations such as these can be unsettling for students, families, and staff, particularly when dismissal is delayed and parents are understandably eager to be reunited with their children. In an effort to be proactive, I have asked Principal Sorafine and Director Beriloff from the Office of Special Services to bring together our school counselors and licensed clinicians, along with our school psychologists to visit classrooms and be available for any staff or students who may need support. I have also asked Director Mara from the Office of Early Childhood to reach out to the preschool site directors."

She said both calls are still under investigation, including by outside law enforcement agencies.

Could Be 'Swatting'

She said the investigators are looking at the threats in conjunction with "swatting" incidents in other areas.

Indeed, several schools in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Virginia were locked down earlier this month due to "swatting" or the practice of making a prank call to emergency workers to cause a massive police response.

But Johnson noted that every potential threat must be taken seriously, and that specific procedures are followed to ensure students safety.

Earlier this month, a school shooting took the lives of three students and a teacher in a special education classroom in Oregon.

Can Be Dangerous

Even threats that are determined to be false can be dangerous, officials say.

Not only do they take law enforcement away from situations where they are needed, they put the victims at risk.

In 2022, Maplewood police rushed to a home due to a report of a shooting, and demanded via loudspeaker that the occupants come out. It was a man, woman, and toddler, and they had no idea what was happening. (READ MORE: Maplewood 'Swatting' Incident Drives Family From Home)

"Calls of this type are very serious and dangerous," said then-Police Chief James DeVaul. "It could easily have led to resistance, escalation, a use of force incident, extreme stress and anxiety for all involved."

Last year, a teenager in California was sentenced to four years in prison for making more than 300 "swatting" calls to schools and other institutions.

PRIOR REPORTING: Hoboken High School Lockdown Was Part Of Dangerous Trend

What's Next In Hoboken

Johnson said in her letter, "If these calls are in fact deemed 'swatting' calls, these investigations may conclude but may not be resolved...Unfortunately, schools and communities across the country are experiencing incidents commonly referred to as 'swatting.' "

She noted, "We are taking every step necessary to minimize the future potential of 'swatting' calls whether or not that's what these calls are confirmed to be."

A lockdown at Hoboken High School last February was determined to have been spurred by a false phone threat.

Last month, the federal Department of Education released a bulletin with guidance to school districts about "swatting," noting that the calls often come in clusters, and that swatting violates several federal laws.