TAYLOR, NE – According to a statement released by Loup County Public Schools Superintendent Rod Richardson on Friday morning, the email threat toward students and staff earlier this week has been determined to be part of an ongoing hoax.
The Nebraska State Patrol determined that the specific hoax has been around for approximately 3 years and has surfaced in many schools and colleges throughout the United States. The same message is sent with only the name of the educational institution being changed. Referred to as a “swatting hoax”, it is a dangerous prank that involves making a false report to emergency services about another person resulting in an armed response from law enforcement (such as a SWAT team).
Richardson thanked local law enforcement as well as the Nebraska State Patrol for their quick response and thoroughness as well as the staff and students for their professionalism and maturity. A final thank you was sent to the district’s parents and patrons for their concern and words of encouragement.
The full statement can be seen below:
