'Terrifying' Swatting At Bellmore School: Legislator

BELLMORE, NY — A day after a Bellmore school went on lockdown after a swatting threat was called to 911, one local lawmaker is sounding the alarm about the disturbing trend.

Swatting is the act of making hoax phone calls to report serious crimes.

"It seems to be happening more every day," County Legislator Seth Koslow (D-Merrick) told Patch. "You hear about it everywhere."

On Tuesday morning, the Newbridge Road School received a threat of "a male with a gun and possible shots fired" at the school, Nassau police said.

The threat was fully investigated and proved unfounded. No one was injured.

Koslow said swatting has become more mainstream by impacting elected officials and political parties. However, more troubling, swatting efforts have reached schools and houses of worship.

"You're putting innocent bystanders in potential harm's way because police don't know what to expect and they have to react," Koslow said.

Police are investigating Tuesday's swatting incident, which could be used like an "actual weapon to terrorize people," Koslow said.

During the Jewish High Holidays last year, five area synagogues, including Temple Beth Am in Merrick, were targeted with false bomb threats, Koslow said.

The legislator received calls from parents confused as the situation was unfolding at the Newbridge Road School.

"It's terrifying," he said. "The parents are left wondering what's going on with a massive police presence."