FBI says multiple ‘swatting’ calls about active shooters under investigation at schools in Colorado

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Both the Colorado Springs Police Department and the Denver Police Department appear to have received fake calls about possible emergencies on Monday.

A spokesperson with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed with 11 News that they received a call claiming there was an active shooter situation Monday afternoon. However, the call appears to be unfounded. The Denver Police Department received a report of a “threat” at Denver East High School, and that report also appears to be unfounded.

A spokesperson for CSPD says the call in Colorado Springs may have been an instance of “swatting.” Swatting is when someone makes a prank call to police claiming an emergency and provides a real address for officers to respond to.

At about 3 p.m., Alamosa School District in southern Colorado placed all of their schools on lockdown after receiving a report of a gun on school grounds.

11 News received the following statement from the FBI Denver Field Office:

The calls are under investigation. Anyone making a “swatting” call can face serious charges.

ALERT: Large police presence in the area of East High School on a report a threat at the school. At this point, the threat has been unfounded -- no reports of injuries. This is an active scene. We will post updates to this thread as made available. #Denver pic.twitter.com/C5u42jJ7tF
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) September 19, 2022