PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — All schools in the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire went into lockdown Thursday following an active shooter threat.
The Portsmouth Police Department received a call around 9:57 a.m. about an active shooter incident at Portsmouth High School, according to a joint news release from police and the school department.
The release said police responded to the call and all Portsmouth schools were sent into lockdown. However, police found no immediate threat when they arrived at the scene.
"Both the school department and police department followed our protocols and procedures until we could confirm that the schools were clear and staff and students were safe," the release said.
The release stated police investigated all schools sent into lockdown Thursday in addition to the high school.
"During these actions, police officials were notified by the New Hampshire Information and Analysis Center (NHIAC) that numerous schools around the state had received similar calls," according to the release.
Police said the call is believed to be a hoax sent to multiple towns and cities in New Hampshire. Officials said a police presence would remain at all Portsmouth schools for the remainder of the day.
"Today we saw schools using their emergency operation plans to respond to the calls,” Director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Robert Buxton said in a release. “These incidents continue to show us why it is important for schools to conduct trainings and exercises on those plans, throughout the school year, in partnership with their local first responders.”
According to HSEM, any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"The Department of Safety is working alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, including the FBI, to identify the source of the calls," HSEM said.
"Today’s incident highlighted the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between my office, the Department of Safety, and the New Hampshire Education Department, as well as local agencies,” New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said in the HSEM release. “We continue to make the safety of New Hampshire’s schools a top priority.”
