Milford High School Targeted By False Shooting Call, District Says

MILFORD, MA — Milford police responded to Milford High School Tuesday morning after a report of a shooter, but the incident was determined to be a false alarm likely designed to disrupt the school.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Kevin McIntyre and Principal Josh Otlin said a 911 call Tuesday "referenced a shooting at Milford High School." Milford police said the caller spoke in an accent and said he was in a bathroom at the school where five students had been shot.

"The caller repeats the message over and over in what sounded like a pre-recorded message," police said in a news release.

Milford police responded to the school and conducted a search of the building alongside school personnel. Students sheltered in place during the search, which began around 9 a.m.

"As a result, it was confirmed to be a swatting call; there was not a threat," the letter from McIntyre and Otlin said.

A "swatting" is when someone calls in a false emergency to focus a large police response on a certain place — typically with the intent of disrupting normal activity. About 28 similar incidents occurred across Massachusetts on Tuesday, according to officials.

The incident took place less than a day after a mass shooting in Tennessee, where six people — including three 9-year-olds — were shot and killed at a school.

"We know that it is upsetting to hear this update and to see groups of officers in the building, especially after yesterday’s events in Nashville, Tenn. Our counselors are available to meet with anyone who needs support at this time," the letter said. "I am sorry to deliver this update and thank you for your attention and support."

Milford police Chief James Falvey said officers remained at Milford High School throughout the day Tuesday