WATERBURY — An investigation continues into an apparent hoax call targeting 12 schools across Vermont on Tuesday, April 8, with false reports of shootings.
The incident began at about 6:35 p.m., Monday, April 7, when the Vermont State Police was notified that an anonymous user had utilized the Department of Defense Self Helpline chat function to make threats against several middle and high schools across Vermont. Characteristics of this threat were consistent with previous hoax threat and swatting campaigns targeting critical infrastructure. Threats to the named schools have all been unfounded.
Schools targeted by the calls were Caledonia County Schools: Hazen Union High School, Hardwick; Burke Mountain Academy, East Burke; Danville School; Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy; Addison County schools: Middlebury Union High School, Mount Abraham High School, Bristol; Vergennes High School and Bennington County Schools: Arlington Memorial High School; Burr and Burton Academy, Manchester; Long Trail School, Dorset and Mount Anthony Union High School, Bennington.
The Vermont State Police is working with local and federal law-enforcement partners to further investigate the call. There was an increased law enforcement presence during the morning hours of the school day Tuesday, April 8, and there have been no reports of suspicious activity surrounding these threats.
VSP reported no additional details were available Tuesday, April 8.
Vermont State Police
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
