State Wide Swatting Calls Terrify Iowa Parents & Kids

Yesterday was interesting and at times scary to say the least as multiple schools across the state of Iowa went into lockdowns based on called in threats. These events are even more concerning considering the recent High school shooting in Perry, Iowa that saw the loss of 3 lives including the student gunman. As the parent of a high schooler in Cascade, the lockdown led to scared kids and parents when the notice showed up on phones at 2:30pm yesterday (1/17). It's great that armed police are available to protect or students when something like this happens, but it truly puts kids and parents into a state of panic when a lockdown is put in effect.

Even worse, Cascade was not the only victim of this swatting "attack." In a series of alarming incidents on Wednesday, several school districts across Iowa went into lockdown after receiving swatting calls, referring to possible active shooters on their premises. Marion Independent High School, West Branch Community Schools, and Cascade Junior/Senior High School were among the affected districts.

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Law enforcement officials swiftly responded to the threats, investigating each incident to determine the credibility of the calls. Fortunately, in all cases, it was ultimately deemed that the threats were hoaxes, and there was no immediate danger to students or staff.

Cascade Junior/Senior High School also experienced an anonymous call indicating a potential threat, leading to a lockdown. Following an investigation, law enforcement confirmed it was a swatting call and that there was no immediate threat. The school expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of students, parents, and the community.

West Branch Community Schools, in response to the incident, assured families that students were safe and that law enforcement and school officials were actively investigating. As an extra precaution, there would be an increased police presence around the school on the following day.

Iowa Falls-Alden High School faced a similar situation with an anonymous call threatening to "shoot up the school." After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the threat was not credible, and the school remained in lockdown until authorities ensured the safety of all individuals on the premises.

Marion High School, and several other education institutions across the state had to deal with similar situations. These swatting calls are a huge detriment to our local law enforcement, our students, and our teachers and parents.

According to the Associated press, last spring over 30 swatting calls were made to Iowa High Schools. In response to that increase in risked safety, Iowa lawmakers have proposed a bill that increases penalties for such actions. The bill, House Study Bill 545, advocates for making false reporting to law enforcement, fire departments, or public safety agencies a class D felony. That felony is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Additionally, for any false reports resulting in serious injury or death, the proposed penalty is a class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. The legislation focuses on reports involving violent felonies, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, acts of terrorism, or possession of biological agents or diseases. While the bill aims to deter false reporting and safeguard emergency resources, some lawmakers acknowledge the challenges in identifying perpetrators who often use internet phone numbers to obscure their location.

It's a sad day when your kids get home from school and all they can talk about is being escorted out of the school by armed police. I cannot stress this enough. PARENTS: talk to your kids. Get to know them intimately. Their friends, their hobbies, their fears, and stay active with them. When parents are ignorant, or worse yet just don't care, that's when these swatting events become real tragedies for the communities.