Fake threats spur temporary lockdowns at Kalispell schools
JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
KALISPELL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION REPORTER Jack Underhill covers Kalispell city government, housing and transportation for the Daily Inter Lake. His reporting focuses on how local policy decisions affect residents and the rapidly growing Flathead Valley. Underhill has reported on housing challenges, infrastructure issues and regional service providers across Montana. His work also includes accountability reporting on complex community issues and public institutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Underhill graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Journalism before joining the Inter Lake. In his free time, Underhill enjoys mountain biking around the valley, skiing up on Big Mountain or exploring Glacier National Park. IMPACT: Jack’s work helps residents understand how growth, housing and infrastructure decisions affect the future of their community. | December 5, 2024 12:10 PM
Three Kalispell schools saw a beefed-up law enforcement presence Thursday morning after anonymous overseas threats were called in through a crisis line.
Kalispell Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies responded to threats called in to Flathead High School, Glacier High School and Elrod Elementary School, according to a message from Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio sent out at 10:20 a.m., Dec. 5.
The schools were lifted out of lockdown at 11:15 a.m. after investigators deemed the threats not credible, according to city officials.
Similar threats were made to schools across Montana, including in Bozeman, Billings, Missoula and Great Falls school districts.
While the Whitefish School District did not receive one of the threats, Superintendent Dave Means said administrators were monitoring the situation. He described the faux threats as what’s known as swatting, a harassment tactic where false reports of shootings, bomb threats or mental health emergencies are made to an emergency service.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 or [email protected].
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