Hoboken schools lock down after false ‘swatting’ call; district says students were safe
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Johnson said a false report that arrived about 2:45 p.m. prompted a lockdown at Hoboken High School; law enforcement swept the building, found no weapon and no injuries, and the district plans a debrief with the Hoboken Police Department.
Hoboken — A false emergency report prompted a lockdown at Hoboken High School on the afternoon of Feb. 1, Superintendent Dr. Johnson told the Hoboken Board of Education, and law enforcement found no weapon or injuries after sweeping the building.
"At approximately 2:45, Hoboken High School received a call of this nature," Dr. Johnson said during the board's Feb. meeting, describing what are commonly called "swatting" incidents. Principal Robin Piccobietro immediately placed the school in lockdown and contacted law enforcement, she said.
Dr. Johnson said the Hoboken Police Support Department "promptly assumed control of the situation" and conducted a thorough sweep of every floor and space in the building. "No one was harmed and the incident was not in any way related to ICE," she said. She added that the district followed established safety protocols and that school staff and students responded calmly.
Families were notified and the district arranged orderly dismissals; Dr. Johnson said a few students left the building without coats and the administration addressed that in post-incident follow-up. She said some families requested additional support for students who were shaken by the event and the district will provide that assistance.
Dr. Johnson emphasized that when law enforcement leads an investigation, district communications are vetted with police to avoid compromising the inquiry. "Our communication that goes out must be accurate, it has to be responsible, and it has to be aligned with the investigation," she said. The superintendent said the district will debrief with the Hoboken Police Department and keep the community informed with verified information.
At the board meeting a parent and teacher representatives praised the district's response. Roseanne Versace, who identified herself as affiliated with Thomas G. Connors Elementary School, said district staff "handled the situation" well and thanked administrators and the Hoboken Police Department for their work.
The district did not announce any disciplinary or law-enforcement outcomes at the Feb. 1 meeting and said it would share additional verified information following the police review.