Numerous ‘swatting’ incidents reported across New York Thursday; State Police responds with statement

Authorities are addressing numerous ‘swatting’ incidents across New York State Thursday.

First of all, if you’re not familiar with the term ‘swatting,’ it’s a disturbing type of hoax. It happens when someone intentionally calls in a false threat or incident, such as an active shooter – all with aims to get law enforcement to respond.

According to numerous reports, there were swatting incidents all across the state Thursday.

We are not aware of any such cases locally, but we do have confirmation that several school districts across the North Country subsequently released statements to families – assuring parents their students were safe and there were no active incidents.

WWNY-TV reports at-least four school districts in St. Lawrence County went into lockdown Thursday morning as a result from these hoaxes.

The New York State Police released a statement acknowledging what was happening Thursday. “All of the reports were unfounded,” the State Police said.

“We are working alongside our federal and local partners to investigate the threats.”

Image via the New York State Police.