School active shooter threats deemed false; 9 reports in SE Wisconsin
KENOSHA, Wis. - Nine schools or school districts across southeastern Wisconsin received threats of an active shooter Thursday, Oct. 20 – but each was a hoax.
One student in Pleasant Prairie and another at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee told FOX6 News it was a day of panic.
"We realize, ‘Oh, this a real thing that’s going on,' and we need to start barricading the door," said LakeView Academy student Garret Maklary.
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"I had my phone with me, I contacted my mom first," Maklary said.
Chrissy Maklary, Garret's mother, said it was nothing but terrifying.
Classroom door barricaded during false active shooter threat at LakeView Academy (Courtesy: Garret Maklary)
"You immediately think, ‘Did I hug him before he went to school? Did I say I love you enough? Is he going to be coming home?’" she said.
Milan Sanchez, a Rufus King sophomore, said the same thing went through her head.
"I just hear code red, get in your classroom, so I’m like, ‘Uh oh, here we go,’" Sanchez said. "Everyone's a little shaken"
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"I got nervous thinking, ‘Is this going to be another Sandy Hook?’" said Rufus King senior Emmalee Wetzel.
It was a massive threat. Police said they found no evidence of an active shooter, but it's something officials aren't taking lightly.
"We were able to confirm with Milwaukee police that these threats were false they were fake," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "I want to see someone be held accountable for pulling this prank off."
Rufus King High School
Many school districts and police told FOX6 they believe the school threats are coming from overseas. The FBI issued a statement on numerous hoax threats nationwide:
"The FBI is aware of the numerous swatting incidents wherein a report of an active shooter at a school is made. The FBI takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately."
Details available on Thursday's threats
The schools or district impacted Thursday include:
- LakeView Academy (Pleasant Prairie)
- Bradford High School (Kenosha)
- Park High School (Racine)
- Oak Creek High School
- Franklin High School
- South Milwaukee Schools
- Rufus King High School (Milwaukee)
- Port Washington High School
- Sheboygan South High School
At least one school in Madison and Green Bay also received threats.
False active shooter threats Oct. 20, 2022
Bradford High School, Kenosha
Police were called to Bradford High School around 8 a.m. for reports of an active shooter. A full-scale police response to the school commenced and consisted of local Kenosha area agencies as well as state and federal law enforcement. Active shooter protocol was followed by both the school and law enforcement. No active shooter was located. No evidence of a shooting was located.
The Kenosha Unified School District said in a message to families:
"Hello, Bradford families. This is Kenosha Unified calling to share that we have received the all clear from the Kenosha Police Department. No active shooters or threats of any kind were found during the sweep of the building. We understand how this incident may have impacted our students, and as such, parents/guardians may pick up their child from the fieldhouse at this time. This is not required, but is an option for parents/guardians who wish to do so. Please use door 2 or 3 and come prepared to show an ID. In addition, our counselors are prepared to support students who may need someone to talk to about today’s events.
"We’d like to take a moment to share our genuine appreciation for the quick response of the Kenosha Police Department this morning. We can never be too cautious when it comes to the safety of our students and staff and we appreciate the partnership and support we receive from our local law enforcement agencies in doing all we can to keep everyone safe while in our schools.
"Lastly, we appreciate your support in telling your child that any form of threat against the school, staff or students will be taken seriously and disciplinary action will be imposed if they are guilty of such threats. Thank you."
Park High School, Racine
Around 8:23 a.m., the Racine Police Department got a call from an unknown person who said that he was a teacher at Park High School and that there is an active shooter in the school and 15 students had been shot. The caller went on to describe the shooter and the weapon. The school resource officer, who was at Park High School at the time, had not heard any shots fired.
Officers were immediately sent to Park High School and the school was put on lockdown. The Racine Fire Department also responded, and the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Caledonia Police Department and Racine County Sheriff's Office were all notified. The building was cleared and no active shooter or injured students were found.
Oak Creek High School
The Oak Creek Police Department received a call about a safety concern at the 10-12 building at Oak Creek High School. Upon receipt of this information, the Oak Creek High School campus was put on a temporary hold.
After an investigation by the Oak Creek Police Department, it was determined that this was a Swatting incident and there is no threat. The hold ended just after 9:00 a.m.
Law enforcement continues to investigate this false threat.
Franklin High School
The Franklin Police Department (FPD) received a call Thursday that stated a threat of safety to the Franklin High School. This threat message was also received by many other area police agencies.
The school was placed on lockdown while a sweep of the building occurred. The FPD and administration found no credible threat.
The Administrative team has released all classes to their next class hour at this time and will continue the school day as normal.
"This threat that was received by Franklin Police was similar in each affected community and has been identified by us and other districts as a hoax. This is an unfortunate situation and a pattern seen by other districts in the state and country this school year. We will always take any threat seriously and follow our safety plans to ensure the safety of your child or children," said Franklin Public Schools.
Rufus King High School, Milwaukee
Milwaukee police responded to Rufus King High School near 18th and Olive around 8:59 a.m. for reports of an active shooter. An individual called claiming there was an active shooter at the school. MPD officers responded and determined there was no active shooter. At this time, there is no known threat. Police continue to seek the unknown caller.
Port Washington High School
Police were called to Port Washington High School for reports of an active shooter. Following a search of the building, no threat was found.
Sheboygan schools
The Sheboygan Police Department said it was investigating a non-credible threat made to the dispatch center Thursday, Oct. 20. The schools were aware, police said, but "operating normally."