California Area High School receives hoax shooting threat

The threat to the school was not believed to be credible, officials said in a statement on their social platforms.

California Area School District was placed on lockdown Friday morning after a threatening phone call triggered an immediate emergency response.

Authorities later determined the call was a hoax, part of a growing national trend known as swatting — the act of making a false report to provoke an armed law enforcement response.

At approximately 11:34 a.m., the California Area High School office received a call from what sounded like a young female voice making a specific and disturbing threat.

“She stated they need $2,000 in a red container or they are shooting the school up and killing themselves,” said Superintendent Dr. Laura Jacob in an official statement.

Both the high school and elementary buildings were secured immediately.

911 was contacted, and within minutes, local, regional and state police, along with the FBI and the District Attorney’s office, responded to the scene.

“Out of an abundance of caution, no one was permitted on or off campus until law enforcement completed their investigation,” Jacob said. “All students are accounted for and safe.”

Dismissal was delayed until law enforcement gave the allclear.

Nearly 150 cars lined the streets around the school as families anxiously waited to reunite.

Local police, state police, and the FBI all responded. More than 30 officers from multiple departments flooded the campus. Law enforcement traced the call to a Google Voice number and confirmed it was a swatting incident. The threat was ultimately deemed non-credible.

Still, the district treated the situation with the highest level of seriousness.

“The California Borough Police agree it was not a credible threat,” Jacob said, “but we treat all threats with caution to ensure safety.”

All after-school activities, including clubs and Beyond the Bell programs, were canceled. However, Friday’s home football game went on scheduled, with enhanced police presence.

Charges are expected to be filed against the individual responsible for the call.

“We remain committed to the safety of all students and will continue to communicate updates as they are available,” Jacob said.