Shooting Threats Turn Out To Be False Alarms in Montana

Law enforcement across the state of Montana responded to multiple calls regarding threats to local schools on the morning of Friday, December 9.

Details about one of the threats were shared on the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

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Gallatin County 911 received a report of an active shooter at the Manhattan Library next to Manhattan Elementary at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning. Law enforcement quickly responded and was on the scene within minutes.

Here's what the GCSO had to say regarding the threats:

Upon investigation, this appears to be a "swatting" incident, which is a false emergency report to law enforcement to garner a response. Everyone is safe at this time.

The term ‘swatting’ refers to hoax calls being placed to 9-1-1 reporting an emergency such as an armed intruder, active shooting, or other critical incidents that necessitate a large and immediate law enforcement response possibly including a SWAT team.

Manhattan wasn't the only city in Montana to receive similar threats. Multiple cities in Montana, including Ennis, Billings, Livingston, and Red Lodge, received similar phone calls at the same time.

The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office assures us,

There are no known threats to the community and there is no need to respond to the school. Multiple agencies remain on the scene and are continuing to investigate these events. We will release further information when it becomes available.

If you see a large presence of law enforcement in your city or near your local school, there is likely no reason to be alarmed. Law enforcement is staying vigilant, and the threats are currently under investigation.