CONCORD, NH – The Department of Safety received notification of multiple active shooter threats at schools across the state just before 10 a.m. Thursday, December 8.
Among them was Manchester School District, which sent an announcement to families in the district that they had been made aware of multiple hoax active shooter calls across the state.
The calls, which were all similar in nature, have been determined to be a hoax. Several communities across New Hampshire and the country reported receiving calls.
The Department of Safety is working alongside local, state and federal law enforcement partners, including the FBI, to identify the source of the calls. Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the FBI.
“Today we saw schools using their emergency operation plans to respond to the calls,” said Robert Buxton, Director of the Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). “These incidents continue to show us why it is important for schools to conduct trainings and exercises on those plans, throughout the school year, in partnership with their local first responders.”
The School Readiness Program, which is part of HSEM, provides assistance with the development, implementation and review of school emergency operations plans; works with schools throughout the year to conduct physical security assessments; and training and exercises.
Since 2014, the School Readiness Program has conducted more than 1,000 assessments.
“Today’s incident highlighted the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between my office, the Department of Safety and the New Hampshire Education Department, as well as local agencies,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “We continue to make the safety of New Hampshire’s schools a top priority.”
For more school safety resources, visit the New Hampshire School Safety Resource Center.
