A false report of a shooting prompted a large police response at Flathead High School on Monday.  

After combing through the school and reviewing camera footage, Kalispell Police officers found no evidence that a shooting occurred. The department determined the report was not credible and that the call — which came through its non-emergency line — originated from outside the area, according to Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio.  

Law enforcement responded to the report about 12:05 p.m. while students were at lunch.  

Flathead High School was placed under lockdown and surrounding schools were also notified, according to Kalispell Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Peter Fusaro.  

Students were held in their fifth-period classes while officers searched the building. The lockdown was lifted at about 1:47 p.m. after law enforcement gave the all-clear, according to Fusaro.  

He said the incident appeared to be a "swatting" call, which is a hoax threat made anonymously to trigger a heavy law enforcement response at a location. Similar incidents have occurred at schools and colleges around the country. 

Fusaro — who was on the campus when the false report came in — thanked officers for their swift response.  

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office assisted in the effort.  

Law enforcement will continue investigating the origin of the call, according to the Kalispell Police Department. 

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.