FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a false report of an active shooter at South Fort Myers High School today around 1:00 p.m.
Lee County Public Schools confirmed that there is no active shooter.
The district alerted parents by texting "All our schools are safe. There is no threat to students. The Lee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the threat as part of a nationwide hoax."
LCSO said South Fort Myers High School and all schools in Lee County jurisdiction are deemed safe. All lockdowns have been lifted.
Good afternoon Wolfpack family,
I want to update you on the threat called into our school near the end of the day. Rest assured, the quick action of my staff and the Lee County Sheriff Office ensured everyone was safe. The Sheriff’s Office released this statement which most accurately describes what happens.
This afternoon at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an active shooter at South Fort Myers High School. All resources were allocated and deployed to the school. Shortly after, it was determined to be a hoax call. According to the Florida Fusion Center, there have been a number of “swatting” calls impacting schools around the country. “Swatting” is the action of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to garner a large number of law enforcement to a specific location. The safety and security of students and faculty at Lee County Schools remains our number one priority. The incident is currently being investigated by our School Threat Enforcement Team and Youth Services Detectives.
Out of an abundance of caution, ALL schools within Lee County’s jurisdiction were searched and cleared as deputies and School Resource Officers ensured there were no threats. Thank you to the dedicated deputies that diverted their resources to the schools as well as the School Resource Officers. In addition, we are grateful for the Lee County School District’s cooperation and professionalism as all 67 schools in our jurisdiction were checked.
Thank you for trusting us with your student.
Ed Matthews
Principal, South Fort Myers High School District
LCSO released an official statement on Twitter.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
— Carmine Marceno - Florida’s Law and Order Sheriff (@SheriffLeeFL) September 16, 2022
This afternoon at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding an active shooter at South Fort Myers High School. All resources were allocated and deployed to the school. Shortly after, it was determined to be a hoax call. pic.twitter.com/q75KcbAsTQ
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received notification of a possible threat to @LeeSchools. All resources have been allocated to checking our schools. Simultaneously, we received info that the reported threat may be part of a nationwide swatting event.
— Carmine Marceno - Florida’s Law and Order Sheriff (@SheriffLeeFL) September 16, 2022
FBI Twitter accounts are for informational purposes only. Submit all tips on terrorism and federal crime through official channels: Report online at https://t.co/49eEggygFJ or contact your local FBI field office or U.S. Embassy or Consulate. pic.twitter.com/tDunb6uhFC
— FBI Kansas City (@FBIKansasCity) April 18, 2018
#BREAKING: Lee County Public Schools says there is NO active shooter at South Fort Myers High School. A call came into 911, stating there's an active shooter. Again, THIS IS FALSE. I'm heading to the scene to gather more details. @Fox4Now #LeeCounty #FortMyers #Florida
— Kaitlin Knapp (@Kaitlin_Knapp1) September 16, 2022
