MONROE, CT — A state investigation is underway to determine the identity of the person who made a threatening call leading to a swatting incident at Masuk High School Wednesday.
“We investigated the matter and it’s a similar threat that’s been going on all over Connecticut,” Police Lt. Kevin McKellick said Friday morning. “The threat was deemed not credible. It is consistent with swatting campaigns going on all over the state since the start of the school year. We’ve been in contact with the State Fusion Center, they’re trying to piece this together to find the origin of the threat.”
McKellick said the center collects cases and crime patterns, while working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
First Selectman Terry Rooney praised the police response and said the town’s emergency services take every potential threat seriously.
“We treat everything as if it’s real. Public safety in Monroe is number one,” he said. “The most important thing is everybody was safe. Our students and our town is safe and we will stay vigilant.”
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza sent out three communications to families during the swatting incident, which led to a campus lockdown at Masuk around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. In the first message he assured parents everyone was safe and waiting for an “all-clear” from police.
Then Kobza said the school transitioned to a controlled movement and moved all students and adults to the auditorium, where the Monroe Police Department offered a brief explanation of the alleged threat that was made to dispatch.
“Under the supervision of staff and the Monroe Police Department, everyone is now being allowed to leave the building under escort from Monroe Police Officers,” he wrote in the second communication. “If you are picking your child up at Masuk, please provide your name to the officer when you pull up.”
In the evening, Kobza sent out the third message:
I want to provide an additional update on the situation that occurred earlier today at Masuk High School. First and foremost, I am relieved to report that everyone remained safe throughout the day, thanks to the swift response and collaboration between the Monroe Police Department and those Masuk staff members who were still on campus.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., a threat was made to the Monroe Police Department dispatch line, allegedly targeting Masuk High School. The police immediately responded and placed the school in lockdown.
Once the school was deemed safe, school staff and Monroe Police officers transitioned the building into a controlled movement, bringing all those inside the school to the auditorium. All athletic teams practicing outside were quickly moved to the nearest, safest locations under the supervision of Monroe police officers. Once the school was deemed safe, they were also escorted to the auditorium.
Following the lockdown, police and school staff worked together to execute a controlled release of students, staff, and visitors from the building. I want to thank our entire community for your patience and cooperation as we navigated this difficult situation.
Upon investigation, the Monroe Police Department determined this to be an apparent swatting attempt — a false report of an emergency designed to prompt an immediate response from law enforcement.
This swatting attempt was not unique to Monroe as police have informed us that nearly identical threats were made in nearby towns both today and in recent days. At this time, there is no evidence that this threat was made by anyone in the Monroe community.
While we are relieved that everyone on campus remained safe today, it does not diminish the impact these swatting incidents have on the emotional well-being of our students, staff, and families. Please be assured that our counseling staff is prepared to support any students that may have been affected by today’s situation.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Monroe Police Department and the Monroe Schools staff for their quick actions in securing the school and ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.
As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to keep our schools safe and secure.
Thank you again for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Joe Kobza
Superintendent
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