BVA among area districts receiving email swatting threats

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
More local schools received threats as a hoax continues to disrupt education around the state.
Several districts were the target of swatting emails this week, with Belle Vernon Area most recently affected Wednesday.
In addition to BVA, Mt. Lebanon, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland and South Park in Allegheny County and Derry Area in Westmoreland County also received various threat reports, also known as “swatting.”
Across the state, the fake reports rippled far and wide. The phenomenon is known as “swatting” — calling in reports about a false emergency in order to prompt a heavy police response.
Belle Vernon Area School District officials emailed parents Wednesday to inform them of the situation, though it was deemed not to be credible early on.
According to an email sent out to parents and guardians, the district said it received an email Wednesday that indicated a bomb had been placed in most schools in Westmoreland County.
“After conferring with local law enforcement, the buildings and campuses were searched and nothing was found by local police departments and district staff,” the email states. “The police department is now investigating the threat. However, there will be an increased police presence in and around the school.”