MUSCATINE, Iowa – The following is a statement from Muscatine Community School District Superintendent Clint Christopher and Muscatine Police Chief Tony Kies regarding the response to a threat called into Muscatine Police just after the start of the school day.
Muscatine High School students, families, and staff members,
Our high school was ‘swatted’ this morning. That means that a fake threat was called into the Muscatine Police Department from outside of the state of Iowa. The threat also referenced a staff member's name that does not exist within our high school or district.
Muscatine Police responded accordingly, swept the entire building, and once they informed us that there was no credible threat, we could resume the school day.
While this is certainly a disruption to the day, we will do our best to resume school as normal at Muscatine High School. Should any students or staff need to speak with a counselor, please know it is okay.
Similar 'swatting' calls are happening to other school districts across the state of Iowa. Mulberry Elementary School was also temporarily locked down due to its proximity to Muscatine High School.
Please know that we take the safety of all students and staff very seriously and work very closely with the Muscatine Police Department. We appreciate their efforts and timely response.
Thank you,
Clint Christopher
Superintendent
Tony Kies
Chief, Muscatine Police Department