Swift Multi-Agency Response to Hoax Shooting Threats at East High School and South High School in Cheyenne; Police Conduct Intensive Search, Clear Both Campuses as Part of Ongoing Investigation After Threats Relayed Via Third-Party Text Line; Authorities Confirm No Credible Evidence but Remain on High Alert to Ensure Student Safety”
Cheyenne, WY – November 4, 2024
In a tense and disruptive morning for the Cheyenne community, a shooting threat directed at East High School and later at South High School prompted a swift and highly coordinated response from local law enforcement and emergency management teams. Although the threats have since been deemed hoaxes, the incident underscores the challenges that schools and police departments face in managing security threats, especially in an era where misinformation and hoax threats can spread quickly.
The initial report, received at approximately 8:05 a.m., was relayed through an anonymous third-party text line that has been used in the past to report crime tips, leading authorities to prioritize the threat as credible until proven otherwise. The text described an active shooter scenario unfolding at East High School, triggering an immediate response from Cheyenne Police Department (CPD), Wyoming Highway Patrol, and other local law enforcement agencies. Given the gravity of the report, officers arrived within minutes to secure the campus and assess any potential risk to students and staff.
Timeline of Events and Law Enforcement Response
Shortly after receiving the alert, Cheyenne Police Department officers, alongside emergency response units, arrived at East High School. Officers worked quickly to set up a perimeter around the building, secure entry and exit points, and initiate a systematic search of classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces within the school. All students and staff were asked to remain in place while the building was cleared.
According to Cheyenne Police spokesperson Captain Richard Hayes, the response was methodical and prioritized student safety above all. “We responded with an abundance of caution, treating this situation as if it were a real and active threat,” Hayes stated. “Our primary goal was to ensure the safety of every student and staff member on campus.”
While East High School was undergoing clearance checks, an additional call reporting a similar threat at South High School was received. Officers were immediately dispatched to the second location, implementing the same safety protocols and conducting a thorough search of the premises. Parents and guardians of students at both schools were notified promptly, with school officials emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and cooperating with law enforcement’s instructions.
At around 10:30 a.m., after an extensive search, authorities confirmed that there was no active threat at either East High School or South High School. However, law enforcement officials remained on-site to provide reassurance to the community and to address any lingering concerns among students, parents, and staff.
The Impact on Students, Parents, and School Staff
The response to the threat had a profound emotional impact on students, parents, and school personnel. Students reported experiencing a range of emotions, from fear and confusion to frustration, as they waited for updates from law enforcement and school administrators. “It was really scary,” one student at East High shared. “We didn’t know if it was real or not, but we followed our teachers’ instructions and stayed quiet.”
Parents, many of whom rushed to the school upon hearing the news, were also shaken by the ordeal. “As a parent, you always worry about these kinds of threats, but you never think it’ll happen so close to home,” said Jessica Miller, whose daughter is a sophomore at East High. “I just wanted to make sure my child was safe. I can’t imagine what was going through her mind during those moments.”
Teachers and school staff also played a critical role during the lockdown, maintaining a sense of calm and stability for their students. Many teachers led students through established lockdown procedures and provided reassurance, even as they themselves felt the tension of the unknown.
In response, Cheyenne School District officials commended the dedication of teachers and staff who acted swiftly to protect students. Superintendent Dr. Melissa Grant commented, “We are incredibly proud of our staff for maintaining composure and providing support to students during this challenging situation. Their professionalism ensured that students were as safe and calm as possible.”
Addressing Hoax Threats and Their Consequences
Following the conclusion of the threat investigation, law enforcement officials confirmed that the threats made against East and South High Schools were unfounded. This incident is now categorized as a “swatting” hoax—a deliberate attempt to deceive emergency services into deploying armed response units to a nonexistent threat. Swatting incidents have become increasingly common across the U.S., posing serious challenges to both law enforcement and the targeted institutions.
Swatting incidents often lead to significant disruptions, resource allocation issues, and heightened community anxiety. Moreover, they can delay law enforcement’s response to actual emergencies, placing both officers and civilians at risk. In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the country have expressed concerns over the rising frequency of these threats, with schools frequently targeted.
Captain Hayes emphasized that hoax threats carry serious legal consequences for perpetrators. “Those responsible for these false threats will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated. “Swatting incidents are not harmless pranks; they are criminal acts that endanger the safety of the entire community and waste valuable resources.”
Investigation into the Origin of the Threats
The Cheyenne Police Department has launched a formal investigation to identify the source of the threats. Working closely with cybercrime experts, the department is utilizing digital forensics to trace the origin of the message. Given that the threat was sent via a third-party text line, investigators will be examining metadata, IP addresses, and any electronic traces left by the sender.
Due to the anonymous nature of the text line used, the investigation may involve cooperation with federal agencies such as the FBI, which specializes in cyber investigations and has resources to track down suspects even across state lines. The FBI has previously assisted in similar cases nationwide, where digital threats were made against schools or public institutions.
Forensic analyst Heather Olsen, who has worked on prior swatting cases, explained, “Tracking down anonymous threats can be complex, especially when they involve digital platforms designed for anonymity. However, we have advanced tools that can often piece together information from various sources to identify the person or group responsible.”
While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials have requested that anyone with information regarding the source of the threat contact the Cheyenne Police Department’s tip line. The department assures the public that all leads will be thoroughly investigated to prevent future incidents.
School District and Community Response
In response to the swatting threat, the Cheyenne School District is taking immediate steps to provide mental health resources and support for affected students, staff, and families. The district has set up counseling services at both East and South High Schools, offering students a safe space to process the incident and seek guidance from trained mental health professionals.
Superintendent Dr. Grant emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional impact of such threats on students and the wider community. “Our priority, beyond physical safety, is the emotional well-being of our students and staff. We want to ensure that they have the support they need to cope with today’s events.”
School officials have also announced a plan to review and strengthen safety protocols, including refining lockdown procedures and improving communication strategies during emergencies. The district intends to work closely with local law enforcement and emergency management to conduct joint safety drills, which will aim to enhance coordination and response times.
Community leaders, including Cheyenne Mayor Susan Lewis, expressed solidarity with students and school staff, affirming the city’s commitment to safety and resilience. “Our community stands with our students, parents, and teachers,” Mayor Lewis said in a statement. “We will do everything in our power to prevent such incidents and protect our schools from future threats.”
Legal and Social Implications of Swatting Incidents
The growing trend of swatting incidents targeting schools has raised concerns about both legal and social implications. Law enforcement officials and legislators are exploring options to impose stricter penalties on swatting perpetrators, including potential federal legislation that would make swatting a specific criminal offense with increased penalties.
Currently, swatting can be prosecuted under various criminal charges, including false reporting, obstruction of justice, and harassment. However, some legal experts argue that a dedicated statute is necessary to reflect the unique risks posed by swatting incidents, particularly as they pertain to schools and other public institutions.
Legal scholar Dr. Linda Harris notes, “Swatting is an escalation of traditional harassment. It’s not just a prank—it’s a calculated act designed to create fear, chaos, and risk. Establishing specific laws could deter potential swatters and provide law enforcement with clearer guidelines for prosecuting these cases.”
Moving Forward: Strengthening School Safety and Public Awareness
In the aftermath of the incident, the Cheyenne community is rallying together to promote awareness and reinforce a culture of safety. Both schools are planning to hold assemblies and workshops aimed at educating students on recognizing and reporting suspicious behavior, as well as understanding the seriousness of making false threats.
Law enforcement officials are also collaborating with local organizations to host seminars on digital literacy and the responsible use of anonymous reporting platforms. The goal is to empower students and community members to report genuine concerns responsibly while deterring abuse of these systems for hoaxes or harassment.
In an effort to improve communication during emergencies, the school district is exploring new technologies that allow for rapid updates to parents and guardians, minimizing confusion and reducing the potential for misinformation during critical moments.
A Call for Continued Vigilance and Community Support
While the swatting incident at East and South High Schools was a false alarm, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community vigilance, strong emergency preparedness, and support systems for students and families affected by such events.
Local officials have expressed appreciation for the swift response and cooperation of law enforcement agencies, school staff, and parents. “Today’s incident showed that our community knows
