Aberdeen Central High School was placed on lockdown after a swatting call reported an armed person near campus. Police later determined the threat was false.
ABERDEEN, SOUTH DAKOTA — Aberdeen Central High School was placed on lockdown after a “swatting” call reported an armed individual near the campus, prompting a large police response and precautionary safety measures before authorities determined the threat was not credible.
What happened
School officials initiated a lockdown after receiving alerts from law enforcement regarding a reported armed person in the vicinity of Aberdeen Central High School. The report triggered an immediate response from local police and emergency personnel.
As officers arrived at the scene, students and staff were secured inside classrooms while authorities conducted a rapid search of the surrounding area.
Police response
Law enforcement units quickly established a perimeter around the school and nearby streets to ensure safety. Officers systematically cleared the area while investigating the origin of the emergency call.
After a thorough sweep, police determined that the report of an armed person was false and classified the incident as a swatting call — a malicious false report intended to trigger an emergency response.
School response
Aberdeen Central High School followed standard lockdown procedures during the incident, keeping students and staff inside classrooms until police confirmed it was safe to resume normal activity.
Once the all-clear was given, the lockdown was lifted and normal operations gradually resumed.
Injuries and threats
No injuries were reported, and no armed suspect was found near the campus. Authorities confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community.
Investigation status
Police are now investigating the origin of the swatting call. Authorities take such incidents seriously, as they divert emergency resources and create unnecessary panic in school environments.
Investigators are working to trace the call and identify those responsible.
Community impact
The lockdown caused temporary disruption for students, parents, and school staff, with many expressing relief once the situation was confirmed to be a false alarm.
Officials reiterated that swatting incidents are dangerous and can lead to serious legal consequences for those involved.
Official statement
Law enforcement and school officials have emphasized that safety procedures worked as intended and that the situation was resolved without harm.
Closing
The investigation into the false threat remains ongoing as authorities work to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future.