Police were called Wednesday morning to multiple high schools across central Ohio after reported bomb threats triggered lockdowns, evacuations and a heavy law enforcement presence at campuses from Columbus to Lancaster.
Authorities say no credible threats have been found so far, but the calls disrupted classes, testing and normal school operations for thousands of students.
According to local law enforcement and school officials, threats were reported at Metro Early College High School and Columbus Alternative High School in Columbus, as well as schools in Bexley, Gahanna, Worthington and Lancaster. Police also responded to reported threats at Dublin Jerome High School and several other districts.
Officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to Metro Early College High School on E. 19th Avenue after a bomb threat was reported. Columbus Alternative High School briefly entered a Level 2 lockdown after receiving what officials described as a shooting threat. The lockdown meant students had to remain in classrooms while police searched the property.
The school was later cleared and the lockdown lifted.
According to ABC6, officials said at least five schools were targeted by threats and that law enforcement conducted searches before clearing buildings.
In Gahanna, Lincoln High School was evacuated “out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of all students,” officials said. Students were allowed to return after authorities determined the threat was not credible.
At Bexley High School, police responded to a threat just before 11 a.m. Officers deployed K9 units to sweep the building while students remained in lockdown.
Officials later said the threat was ruled not credible.
“It’s incredibly disruptive and it’s dangerous,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said regarding the rise in swatting-style threats. “People can get hurt. This isn’t funny. It’s not a prank, and if, as is likely when this is all sorted out, the perpetrators are identified, they’re going to go to prison. This is not fun and games.”
State officials said similar threats have appeared to follow a broader pattern of coordinated hoax calls targeting schools. Law enforcement agencies in Cincinnati and Toledo reported comparable incidents on Wednesday, and districts in northeast Ohio also received threats, including schools such as Rocky River High School and Shaker Heights High School.
Officials believe many of the calls may be part of a swatting trend intended to force emergency responses and disrupt school operations.
“The FBI is aware of a number of hoax threats in Central and Southern Ohio,” a statement read. “While we have no information to indicate a credible threat, we are currently working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information.”
Authorities reported no injuries connected to the incidents.
Some districts confirmed that testing schedules were interrupted.
At Metro Early College High School, officials said the threat may have been intended to disrupt ACT testing day. Students who were unable to complete exams will need to reschedule.
While law enforcement determined most threats were not credible, officials emphasized that every call is treated seriously, noting that several schools maintained an increased police presence throughout the day as investigations continued.
Authorities have not announced any arrests.
