Halifax high school lockdown triggered by swatting call from outside Canada
Police determined a threatening call that prompted a three-hour lockdown at Halifax West High School was a false report originating outside the country.
HALIFAX — A threatening call that prompted a lockdown at a Halifax high school on Thursday was a swatting hoax that originated outside Canada, police say.
Halifax Regional Police said school administrators at Halifax West High School received a call around 12:30 p.m. from a man who said he was on school property with a weapon.
"School administrators reported receiving a call from a man who said he was on school property with a weapon," police said in an updated release.
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The school went into lockdown and police conducted a search.
Many people were outside the building at the time since it was the lunch hour, and they were directed away to a safe gathering point.
Dylan Bugdal, a Grade 12 student, said he had left for lunch and returned to find officers surrounding the school.
"There’s police cars everywhere and people are coming up to me like ‘You can’t go back to the school, they’re all in lockdown, there’s a threat in the school,'" he said. "(There were) lots of rumours of whatever it is."
Bugdal said he could not recall something like that ever happening before in his three years at Halifax West and it left him "spooked."
Police searched the building and found no evidence to support the threat. The lockdown was lifted at 3:45 p.m.
In an update Friday, police said they determined the call came from outside Canada and were working with law enforcement agencies in Florida.
"In any investigation, we look at all leads and investigate any and all leads that are available," said Const. John Cromwell. "That could include tracking a number. Any leads that we have are going to be investigated."
The force said this type of incident is known as "swatting," which involves making a false report to police to prompt a significant response and divert emergency resources.
Lindsey Bunin, a communications officer for the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, said the situation was very concerning.
"We want to assure families that we are taking every precaution to protect students and staff and are following the direction of police," Bunin said in an email.
No charges have been laid but the investigation is ongoing.
"While police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the school, officers will continue to have a presence there to offer reassurance to students, staff and families," police said.
In a separate incident in nearby Lower Sackville on Thursday morning, RCMP investigated a report that a man had chased a student with a knife at a junior high school.
Leslie Thomas Junior High and Sackville High School were placed under a hold and secure while police attempted to locate the man.
RCMP later said officers determined a man did not chase any students. The hold and secure was lifted at both schools around 12:45 p.m.
Efforts to locate the man continue and that investigation is also ongoing.
With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and Global News