Wednesday, an Alexandria, VA elementary school was evacuated amid a series of “false threats” that are now being investigated as swatting incidents, according to the police department.
After receiving a call “of someone going to the school with guns” APD said it responded to Charles Barrett Elementary at 12:04 p.m. with officers, K9s, and SWAT and began searching the school.
In a letter to families, the Charles Barrett principal, Loren Brody, said the school first went into “secure the building” status. But by 12:20, it was determined students and staff would be evacuated “due to additional information received regarding a bomb threat that was in the vicinity of the school.”
APD said school administrators made the decision to evacuate and move students to Cora Kelly School on Commonwealth Avenue to allow authorities to conduct an extensive search.
The students were bussed to Cora Kelly School for Math, Science, and Technology. APD said it assisted with that move and maintained a presence at Cora Kelly after everyone was relocated.
Meanwhile, according to APD, threatening calls continued coming in. Some of those calls indicated threats “directed at Cora Kelly School.” But APD said because police were already stationed there, they were able to determine there was not a credible threat. APD said its offices remained on the scene until dismissal.
No threat or danger was found at Charles Barrett either, APD announced. But after school activities were canceled.
APD issued a reminder that swatting is now a crime in Virginia that can range from Class 1 misdemeanor up to a Class 6 felony. The department said an investigation is underway with the support of federal authorities who “offered their assistance.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call 703-746-4444. APD said tips will remain anonymous.
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