‘Active Shooter’ Alert At Exeter High School Was Accidental, Police Say

EXETER, NH — Police said Tuesday that an active shooter report at Exeter High School, despite numerous notifications, was accidental.

Police were sent to the school after the activation of its ALICE alarm system, an active-shooter response protocol used by police and educators. At the same time as the activation, the department’s communications center also received multiple text messages to 911 reporting an active shooter inside the building. Phone calls followed, which, the department said on Facebook, “triggered a large-scale police response” to the school.

When they arrived, officers coordinated senior educational staff and began searching the school. Within about four minutes, police determined the alarm activation was accidental, according to the report.

Officers continued to sweep the building to ensure the safety of students and staff, but found nothing.

“We would like to thank our partners at the Kensington Police Department and the Exeter Fire Department for their prompt response and professionalism,” a post said. “We are also grateful to the numerous other law enforcement agencies that offered immediate assistance during this incident. This level of cooperation highlights the strong partnerships in place to keep our community safe.”

Police said the safety of the town’s schools was “a top priority” and “we appreciate the continued support and vigilance of our community.”

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