Not threats found after fake 911 calls to Oklahoma schools, FBI investigating

By John Dobberstein, Editor

Several schools across Oklahoma were the victim of active-shooter hoaxes Thursday, although no actual threats were found at the schools when authorities responded. 

No such incidents with any Broken Arrow schools were reported publicly, although the Sentinel did reach out to the Broken Arrow Public Schools and Broken Arrow Police Department to confirm. 

A false 911 call was made to emergency officials about Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, but no threat was found when police  arrived.

At about 10:15 a.m., the Stillwater Police Department (SPD) received about an "active shooter situation" at Stillwater Junior High. 

An SPD school resource officer was on site during the initial call and confirmed that there was no active shooter at the school. Officers were diverted to respond to other schools in the area in case of a “swatting call.” 

"Officers from several agencies responded to assist, and with the help of school administration, staff and faculty, we were able to secure the other sites," the district said in its statement. "We have been made aware of similar threats to other school districts in Oklahoma. We appreciate the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma State University Police Department, and Payne County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance."

False 911 calls were also confirmed at schools in Enid, Ardmore, Medford, Miami, Bartlesville, Durant, Perry and Lawton. 

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The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it responded to multiple reports of active shooter calls at school districts across the state. 

"OHP responds to all active shooter calls with urgency and efficiency. Even off-duty troopers responded to several of the calls today," OHOP said in a statement. "We are grateful no active threat was discovered today and want parents and community members to rest assured all threats are taken seriously. We encourage everyone to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency."

The FBI is also aware of the numerous swatting incidents across the state of Oklahoma and the nation. 

"We are working alongside our law enforcement partners in identifying the source of the hoax threats," FBI officials said in a statement. "Due to the ongoing status of the investigation, we are unable to provide more details. However, it is important to note that law enforcement will use all available resources to investigate a school threat until we determine whether it is real or not. 

"Investigating hoax threats drains law enforcement resources and diverts us from responding to an actual crisis. Hoax threats can shut down schools, cause undue stress and fear to the public, and cost taxpayers money. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately."

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