Maine Schools Targeted in Swatting Incidents

On November 5, 2024, multiple schools across Maine received swatting calls reporting armed individuals on their campuses, prompting immediate lockdowns and police responses. The Maine Department of Public Safety confirmed these threats were hoaxes intended to elicit emergency reactions, with no actual danger to students or staff. Schools affected included Bangor High School and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, where lockdown protocols were swiftly enacted. Law enforcement is investigating the calls, which originated from the same IP address linked to previous threats from a foreign country. Authorities stressed the importance of remaining vigilant while assuring the public that there is no current threat. The rise of swatting incidents has become a national concern, impacting various organizations beyond schools.