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Published on November 12, 2024
Piedmont High School Lockdown Sparks Terror, False Alarm as Cops Bust "Swatting" HoaxSource: Google Street View

Earlier today, the Piedmont Police Department responded to a potential threat at Piedmont High School that led to a temporary lockdown of multiple schools. According to a social media post by the Piedmont Police Department, a text to Alameda County Behavior Health's 988 call center reported a male subject dressed in black, brandishing an AR15 rifle, and threatening violence outside the high school at approximately 11:49 am.

Immediately upon receiving the worrisome text, authorities dispatched units to the high school, Piedmont Middle School, and Millennium High School, implementing lockdowns as a safety precaution. Officials urged parents to avoid the area while the investigation unfolded. With the schools under a protective cloak, officers meticulously swept the campuses for any signs of danger.

As the operation proceeded, a broader picture began to emerge. By 12:39 pm, the Piedmont Police Department updated the public, revealing a suspected "Swatting" plot, as similar threats had also reached various other Bay Area schools. This development prompted extended searches, though no other Piedmont schools were viewed under threat.

Reassurance came less than 10 minutes later from the authorities. Units at the scene transmitted the much-needed "all-clear" signal, indicating a false alarm. Students and faculty were allowed to resume their activities after comprehensive school searches.