Home / Crime and Justice / Swatting Hoaxes Shut Down Minnesota Schools
Swatting Hoaxes Shut Down Minnesota Schools
24 Sep
Summary
- Anonymous threats caused school evacuations in Lakeville and Elk River.
- State investigators believe these threats are likely swatting incidents.
- No weapons or explosives were found at the targeted school campuses.
Anonymous threats, believed to be swatting hoaxes, recently caused significant disruptions, leading to the evacuation of two high schools in Lakeville, Minnesota. The threats, mentioning weapons and explosives, prompted a large law enforcement response, ensuring student safety. A week prior, a similar anonymous threat led to the evacuation of Elk River High School.
According to Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, these incidents are indicative of a growing trend in hoax threats against school districts. Since July 2025, when a new law mandated reporting, districts have reported at least 47 firearm-related incidents or threats.
Investigations in both Lakeville and Elk River found no evidence of any actual weaponry or explosives. State investigators indicated that the culprits are often located outside the targeted districts, with arrests sometimes made in other states or even abroad. The Lakeville schools, closed on Wednesday, were expected to reopen on Thursday.
