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Bomb-threat hoax prompts lockdown at Wiskanir; police and staff praised for response
Summary
A 'Say Something' hotline call triggered a precautionary lockdown at Wiskanir school; police swept the perimeter and interior, later concluding the threat was not credible. Officials said students remained calm and praised staff and law enforcement for their response.
School and town officials told the board that a tip to the district's "Say Something" hotline reported an armed person threatening students outside Wiskanir, prompting an immediate lockdown and a coordinated law-enforcement sweep.
"The police were there within a minute," the presenter said, describing a perimeter security posture while officers conducted an interior sweep; staff said students were kept calm and that parents were notified. After searches and assessment by Chief Plesi and his team, the threat was judged not credible and normal operations resumed. Officials praised the rapid, calm response and the district's existing lockdown procedures.
Board members asked whether investigators could trace the call. Officials said many incidents originate from hidden or foreign IP addresses and that attribution is often difficult; they also noted similar hoax threats are a widespread, national trend.
Why it matters: Even if hoaxes, these incidents cause disruption, stress, and expense and can put first responders and staff at risk during responses. School and police officials stressed the priority of protecting students and applauded the orderly handling of the incident.
Next steps: Officials said they will attend regional training on such threats and continue public communication about protocols. The district encouraged continued use of the tip line and said it will review response procedures with staff and families.
