NSP: Numerous schools in Nebraska receive swatting calls

March 2, 2023, 5 p.m. ·

NSP truck

Fake active shooter calls were received by numerous law enforcement agencies across the state of Nebraska on Thursday.

The calls occurred in several parts of the state, including Omaha, Lincoln, and the tri-cities.

The Nebraska State Patrol said similar instances have recently happened in other states.

"Earlier this week, the Nebraska Information Analysis Center (NIAC), a division of the Nebraska State Patrol, provided a bulletin to law enforcement agencies across the state and the Nebraska Department of Education regarding a trend of “swatting” calls that had been reported in several other states this year, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, and Vermont. That bulletin advised local agencies to be prepared in the event the calls target Nebraska schools, which is occurring today," NSP said in a release.

NSP Superintendent Colonel John Bolduc said at a press conference on Thursday a thorough investigation will take place to try to find out who is responsible for the calls. He added even though significant disruption took place, the threats were not credible.

“The disruption is over, there is no danger to our schools and our schools are getting everything back to normal as quickly as possible.

According to NSP, many of the calls included the suspect masking their identity and location, using a fake accent, and acting like they are hiding in the school.

"There have been distinct similarities in the calls received by schools in other states, such as the use of VOIP technology to mask the caller’s identity and location, using or mocking a foreign accent, mispronouncing school or town names, and pretending that they are hiding inside the school themselves."