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Report of school shootings at Potsdam, Canton, Gouverneur schools are a hoax

Posted 3/30/23

Reports of school shootings at Potsdam, Canton and Gouverneur schools have been deemed a hoax. "Potsdam, Canton and Gouverneur districts were each named in hoax calls to local police departments this …

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Report of school shootings at Potsdam, Canton, Gouverneur schools are a hoax

Posted

Reports of school shootings at Potsdam, Canton and Gouverneur schools have been deemed a hoax.

"Potsdam, Canton and Gouverneur districts were each named in hoax calls to local police departments this morning, and at this time all have been cleared of any threats," said BOCES spokesperson Brittany Frank. "Many districts in the region will have an increased police presence at school buildings as a precaution."

“This morning the Potsdam Village PD received a phone call claiming a shooting at the High School, “ Potsdam Central Superintendent Jerry Griffin. “This was a hoax and had no truth to it at all.”

Potsdam police, St. Lawrence County sheriff's deputies and state police all responded immediately to Potsdam high school, Griffin said.

There is no active emergency in Potsdam

"The Potsdam Police Department received a call at 0933 this morning reporting shooting victims at the Potsdam High School. Potsdam Police Department members along with St. Lawrence County Sheriff Deputies and NYS Troopers were on scene within minutes and an immediate sweep of the building was completed and the building was declared safe, said Potsdam Police Lt. Michael Ames. "Before our patrols could clear, similar calls began coming into neighboring school districts."

More information will be released when it becomes available. Although there does not appear to be a threat to the district, parents should expect an increased police presence at the school today, Ames said.

The high school went into a brief hold in place until the school was cleared.

The district is now back on a normal schedule.

“I want to thank all of the local law enforcement officials who responded so quickly, particularly Lieutenant Ames, for staying in close contact with us throughout the situation,” Griffin said.

We have reached out to other distict representatives for comment.

These are called “swatting calls” made to law enforcement agencies under false pretenses. Officials say there may be more cases at surrounding school districts, as they are receiving similar calls.