Manhattan High School locked down due to 'swatting incident'

Manhattan High School was placed on lockdown due to what the police department called a "swatting" incident.

"At approximately 12:42 p.m. today, the Manhattan Police Department received a report of a disturbance at Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Montana. Officers responded immediately," reads a Thursday statement from Austin Owens, chief of the Manhattan Police Department. "Units from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Highway Patrol also responded to assist. Manhattan Officers were on scene within 2 minutes of being dispatched with GCSO Deputies arriving on scene shortly after."

The school was immediately placed on lockdown, and peace officers conducted a search of the campus, according to Owens. They determined there were no legitimate threats to the students, faculty, or community around the campus.

"After a detailed investigation, the report was determined to be a 'swatting' incident — a deliberately false call intended to provoke a significant law enforcement response," Owens wrote. "At no time were students, staff, or community members in danger. Once the building was fully cleared and no credible threat was identified, the lockdown was lifted and normal operations resumed."

The incident is under investigation by the Manhattan Police Department with assistance from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, according to Owens.

"Swatting is a serious criminal act that endangers students, staff, first responders, and the broader community," Owens wrote. "We extend our appreciation to Manhattan High School administration, staff, students, and families for their cooperation, as well as to all responding agencies for their rapid and coordinated response."