The Masuk incident is under investigation as Connecticut is plagued by swatting campaigns

MONROE, CT – A state investigation is underway to determine the identity of the person who made a threatening phone call Wednesday that led to a beating incident at Masuk High School.

“We investigated the matter and determined that a similar threat exists throughout Connecticut,” police Lt. Kevin McKellick said Friday morning. “The threat was deemed unreliable. This is in line with the swatting campaigns that have been taking place across the state since the start of the school year. We are in contact with the State Fusion Center, they are trying to piece it together to find out the origin of the threat.”

McKellick said the center collects cases and crime patterns, working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

First Selectman Terry Rooney praised the police response and said the city's emergency services take any potential threat seriously.

“We treat everything as if it were real. Public safety in Monroe is paramount,” he said. “The most important thing is that everyone was safe. Our students and our city are safe and we will remain vigilant.”

Principal Joseph Kobza sent three notices to families during the swatting incident that led to a lockdown of the Masuk campus around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. In the first message, he reassured parents that everyone was safe and waiting for an “all clear” from police.

Then Kobza said the school went into a controlled movement and moved all students and adults into the auditorium, where Monroe police gave a brief explanation of the alleged threat made for processing.

“Under the supervision of Monroe staff and police, anyone is now permitted to exit the building accompanied by Monroe Police officers,” he wrote in the second statement. “If you pick up your child in Masuk, please provide your name to the officer when you get there.”

In the evening Kobza sent the third message:

I would like to provide an additional update on the situation that occurred today at Masuk High School. First and foremost, I am relieved to report that everyone was safe throughout the day thanks to the quick response and cooperation between the Monroe Police Department and Masuk staff who were still on campus.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., a threat was made to Monroe Police dispatchers, allegedly directed at Masuk High School. The police reacted immediately and imposed a lockdown on the school.

After the school was deemed safe, school staff and Monroe Police officers redirected the building into a controlled movement and moved everyone inside the school to the auditorium. All sports teams practicing outside were quickly moved to the nearest, safest locations under the supervision of Monroe police officers. After the school was deemed safe, they were also escorted into the auditorium.

Following the lockdown, police and school staff worked together to conduct a controlled release of students, staff and visitors from the building. I would like to thank our entire community for your patience and cooperation as we navigate this difficult situation.

After investigating, Monroe Police determined this was an obvious matter Impact test – a false report of an emergency intended to trigger an immediate law enforcement response.

This hit attempt wasn't unique to Monroe, as police tell us nearly identical threats were made in nearby cities today and over the past few days. At this time there is no evidence that this threat was made by anyone in the Monroe community.

While we are relieved that everyone on campus was safe today, this does not diminish the impact these hitting incidents have on the emotional well-being of our students, staff and families. Please be assured that our advisory staff is ready to support any student who may be impacted by today's situation.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Monroe Police Department and the Monroe Schools staff for their quick actions in securing the school and ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.

As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our schools.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Sincerely,
Joe Kobza
superintendent

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