WEST FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Sheyenne High School was placed on a brief lockdown Wednesday morning after receiving a hoax emergency call, but police have confirmed there was no danger to students or staff.
West Fargo police said the high school received the swatting call at approximately 11:10 a.m. Swatting is the practice of making a false report to emergency services in an attempt to trigger a large, armed police response to a specific address.
A school resource officer assigned to Sheyenne High School responded immediately alongside several patrol officers. Following a thorough search and investigation, a police supervisor determined the threat was a hoax and confirmed there was no danger.
School administrators initiated the building lockdown out of an abundance of caution while law enforcement verified the safety of the building. The lockdown was lifted at about 11:57 a.m., allowing students and staff to return to their normal daily operations and class schedules.
West Fargo police said investigators will continue to actively look into the source of the fake call. The department emphasized that threats against local schools are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.
The West Fargo Police Department maintains a dedicated partnership with West Fargo Public Schools, stationing nine school resource officers and one sergeant across district campuses. Officials noted that these officers serve as law enforcement, informal counselors, mentors and teachers while working to ensure school grounds remain safe.
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