Lang
1/17/24
West Branch schools were among several nationwide which received SWATing calls on Wednesday.
A SWATing call is when a subject anonymously calls in a fabricated report of a situation in which a swift and quick police response would be necessary, such as a school shooting.
The West Branch School District sent out an email explaining that the call was determined to be a hoax. But before that could be confirmed, district buildings were locked down and law enforcement patrols were stepped up until it was determined there was no threat.
The SWATing calls were reported at other districts nationwide. In Iowa, that included Marion and Cascade, among others.
Law enforcement will increase patrols at the affected schools on Thursday.