OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Omaha police responded to “a possible threat” at Millard South High School Monday morning that turned out to be a hoax.

According to a message from Millard Public Schools’ superintendent to staff and families, the “swatting” incident began with a false report to Omaha police.

MPS was notified around 11 a.m. Monday that a caller had reported a threat against the high school. Authorities later determined the call was not local.

“You should understand that this call was a prank, also known as a ‘swatting’ event,” MPS Superintendent John Schwartz said in his memo. “Everyone is safe. The police are continuing to investigate. They were able to determine that the call was not coming from the Omaha area.”

MPS said police arrived immediately and protocols were followed.

“I am very proud of how the staff and students responded this morning. Overall, everyone stayed calm, worked together, and followed instructions. This helped us manage the situation and maximize safety for students and staff,” said Dr. Schwartz.

After completing a search in about 30 minutes, police concluded the threat was “not credible.”

The school went into lockdown around 11:30 a.m. Officers searched every school restroom, while restrooms at the school remained in place. They then searched all the classrooms.

At 12:05 p.m., OPD tweeted that the school had been searched and no threat had been found.

Following the investigation, Millard’s superintendent canceled classes for the rest of the day on Monday.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident. OPD said in a tweet that they encourage the community to share any information about potential threats — “regardless of the details” — so the information can be properly verified and the community protected.

Read the Millard superintendent’s note

Dear Millard,

I would like to update you on a situation that affected our district today and share how we responded. Shortly after eleven o’clock this morning, we received word from the Omaha Police Department that a caller had made a threat against Millard South.

Most importantly, know that this call was a hoax, also known as a “swatting” event. Everyone is safe. The police are continuing to investigate. They were able to determine that the call was not coming from the Omaha area.

We take all possible threats seriously, and the same goes for the police. I am grateful for our cooperation with law enforcement. They arrived immediately and we imposed a lockdown on the building. Together we have systematically worked through all of our safety protocols.

These are the most stressful situations a community can handle. I am very proud of how the staff and students responded this morning. Overall, everyone stayed calm, worked together, and followed instructions. This helped us manage the situation and maximize safety for students and staff.

Please note that safety and security will always be our top priority. We follow our protocols carefully and will always work closely with law enforcement. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work to keep our school community safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. John Schwartz
superintendent

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