Prank call prompts police response at Sidney High School
A prank call falsely reporting an active shooter prompted a police response at Sidney High School Monday afternoon. Officials say there was no credible threat and all students and staff were safe.
By News Channel NebraskaSIDNEY, Neb. — A prank phone call falsely reporting an active shooter prompted a significant law enforcement response at Sidney High School on Monday afternoon, school officials said.
According to a letter sent to families by Superintendent Andrew Farber, the regional call center received a call at approximately 3:24 p.m. reporting an active shooter at the high school. Local law enforcement agencies immediately initiated emergency protocols and responded to the campus.
Farber said both law enforcement and school staff responded as trained and worked together to secure the building and verify the safety of students and staff.
“Most importantly, there was no credible threat, and all students and staff remained safe throughout the situation,” Farber wrote.
The incident remains under active investigation as authorities work to identify the source of the call.
Farber said the district recognizes the situation may have been unsettling for some students and staff. Families are encouraged to contact school counselors if their student needs additional support.
The district does not condone false 911 calls, Farber said, noting that such actions can create dangerous situations for schools and communities.
As a precaution, local law enforcement will maintain an increased presence at the high school in the coming days to provide reassurance to students and staff.
Farber thanked school staff and local law enforcement agencies for their professionalism and partnership in ensuring campus safety.