FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Multiple swatting calls sent several Massachusetts schools into lockdown Tuesday, according to town officials.
Swatting is the act of making a threatening prank call that sends an armed police response to an address.
"We are aware of calls to 28 communities as of now, including multiple calls to school districts in western and southeastern Mass. We are assisting in the response to the schools in some communities. Our Fusion Center, along with our partner agencies, is investigating the source of the calls," Massachusetts State Police told WBZ NewsRadio.
School districts that received a swatting call Tuesday morning included Framingham, Milford, Malden, Westfield, Medway, Mansfield, Franklin, Foxborough, Bellingham, and Northampton.
So far, no real threats have been detected at any of the schools.
"We are writing to share information about an upsetting incident that occurred this morning at Medway High School," Medway Superintendent of Schools Amanda Pires told families in an email. "Please know that all students and staff are safe. This morning we fell victim to a hoax threat of violence call. This is similar to what we have seen around the state and what many neighboring districts experienced today."
In an email to Hopedale families, Hopedale Superintendent of Schools Karen Crebase wrote, "I wanted to inform you that area towns have been receiving calls today with a variety of threats to schools. All of these calls have been determined to be FAKE. These HOAXES have become more common around the country and within Massachusetts As soon as Hopedale Police Department was informed of these BOGUS calls, they deployed police officers to our buildings. In an abundance of caution, PD will remain with us throughout the day. There is no need for alarm and we are taking our direction from the Police Department and Administration is working closely with them. It is unfortunate that schools, communities, and students have to deal with issues such as this."
"A call was placed earlier this morning to the Malden Police Department's non-emergency line," Malden police wrote on Facebook. "The caller reported an 'active shooter' incident at Malden Catholic High School. Law enforcement promptly responded to the school while information was still being transmitted. While on the scene at Malden Catholic High School, it was quickly discovered that the initial information presented was inaccurate and/or could not be validated as factual."
"Area towns are receiving bogus active shooter calls so you will see an increased police presence at our schools," Bellingham police tweeted. "Officers were deployed to our schools upon hearing of the first call. There is no need for alarm. ALL Bellingham Schools are covered."
The swatting calls come one day after a 28-year-old former student shot up an elementary school in Nashville, killing three 9-year-old children and three adults.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App