BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul said the state is working with New York State Police as well as local and federal agencies after they said "swatting" threats were made against schools across New York State including some in Wester New York.
"More than 10 school districts across New York have received disturbing 'swatting' threats today including in Western New York, the Capital Region, Central New York, Long Island, the Southern Tier and the North Country. I want to reassure parents that their children are safe at school – swatting threats are false and intended to cause panic and scare students, teachers and families."
"Swatting" is a form of making a prank call to emergency services to dispatch a large numbers of armed police officers to a particular address.
“I have directed the New York State Police to investigate these threats and work closely with all levels of law enforcement to identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and restore the sense of safety and security our children deserve. The New York State Intelligence Center is also monitoring the situation and State Police are prepared to provide support and necessary resources to address credible threats. My top priority will always be the safety of New Yorkers."
Michael Cornell, the Hamburg Central Superintendent and President of the Erie & Niagara Superintendents Association, told 2 On Your Side, he has not been informed about any 'swatting' incidents involving schools in Erie or Niagara counties.