MT. VERNON, Ill. -- Multiple area schools in Illinois went in lockdown Wednesday morning after receiving hoax active shooter calls.
This includes schools in Marion, Mt. Vernon, Carbondale, Murphysboro, Vienna, Eldorado and more.
Illinois State Police (ISP) said authorities responded to swatting calls targeting schools throughout the U.S. This includes communities across the state of Illinois.
ISP said local law enforcement agencies across the state reported these fake threats to 21 schools in 19 counties.
ISP also said responders did not locate any actual threats as a result of the calls.
"The Illinois State Police Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center currently has no information concerning credible threats related to school safety," ISP Trooper Josh Robinson said in an email response. "Law enforcement, public safety, and private sector security officials are encouraged to remain vigilant and report all suspicious behavior to local police agencies."
The Mount Vernon Police Department posted on their Facebook page about receiving a call regarding a possible armed person at the Mt. Vernon High School.
Carbondale police were also at the Carbondale High School checking on the hoax active shooter threat called in as well.Â
Carbondale police said in a release the School Resource Officer was present, and additional officers arrived within two minutes, but no threats were discovered.
“It's regrettable that schools become targets of such incidents, but we are grateful for the swift and serious action taken by the Carbondale Police to ensure the safety of students and staff. We extend our appreciation to the administration, teachers, students, and staff for their cooperation during this time," said Superintendent Daniel Booth in the Carbondale Police Department release.
The elementary district in Carbondale also was in lockdown as a precautionary measure.
“Despite it being a hoax call, we take every threat seriously and respond accordingly. Our officers acted swiftly and professionally to ensure the safety of all involved. I want to extend a special thank you to our School Resource Officer for her quick thinking and expertise in handling the situation,� said Police Chief Stan Reno.
Herrin CUSD 4 also said they were notified by police about two area high schools receiving false active shooter calls. They said Herrin police are providing extra security patrols to their schools during the time.
Mount Vernon police said they were checking the interior of the school but there was no indication of anyone armed at the school, no shots were fired and no one injured.
Marion Unit 2 School District said they received a call as well and posted information on their Facebook page; "As part of an overarching national trend, Marion High School was subject to a "swatting" hoax regarding a false report of a school shooting. This call was made to the Marion Police Department and likely other area schools."
The Marion school district also said to parents to take a moment and encourage your child to let an adult know if they see something or hear anything, to say something. "Being proactive about these matters is one of the most effective ways we can keep our school safe."
"We urge the public to refrain from making false reports, as it puts unnecessary strain on emergency responders and the community as a whole," Carbondale police said in the release.
