Police respond to swatting call at elementary school

TYNGSBORO >> Police are investigating what they believe to have been a swatting incident Wednesday morning after a threat was made against Tyngsboro Elementary School.

The police received a call at about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday in which they said the caller made threats against the school. Upon arrival, police determined that the threats were not credible, and all students and staff were reported safe.

The school followed A.L.I.C.E. protocols typically followed during a threat of violence against a school. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.

Massachusetts State Police assisted Tyngsboro Police during the lockdown and subsequent ongoing investigation.

In a joint statement released by Superintendent of Schools Michael Flanagan and Tyngsboro Deputy Police Chief Shaun Woods at around noon Wednesday, they said that a thorough search of the school grounds was conducted, first by Tyngsboro Police and again by a State Police K-9, and no credible threat was found. Tyngsboro Police

remained at the school for the rest of the school day.

“TES students were in hard lockdown for approximately 30 minutes from 9:10 to 9:40 a.m., and then were in a soft lockdown (free movement in the school with no outside activity) from 9:40 — 11:30 a.m., before resuming with a regular schedule at 11:30 a.m.,” said the statement. “I cannot express how impressed I was by the response of our students and staff at TES. Today’s incident was unfortunate, but that is why we train and conduct drills. We appreciate the ongoing support of our families.”

Woods said in a later statement that this incident is part of a phenomenon that has been increasing throughout the country.

“In recent months, hoax swatting calls have become a rising concern for school districts and emergency services across the country. They undermine the sense of security within schools and instill undue fear in communities. Tyngsborough experienced such a resource-intensive and unsettling incident,” said Woods. “I want to express my gratitude to all those involved today for their patience, understanding, and meticulous attention to detail.”