Police were responding to reports of a possible shooting at Rockford East High School Wednesday morning, sparking a massive response from first responders over what authorities said turned out to be a "false report."
Rockford Police said they were still investigating the scene as of 8:40 a.m.
"At this time, we are working on confirming details, but it looks to be a false report," the department tweeted. "We are clearing the building as we speak and further updates will be posted."
Images from the scene showed a massive response around the school, with a number of squad cars and fire trucks at the scene.
The school was placed on lockdown as the district reported "a heavy police presence."
"We’re working to confirm details," Rockford Public Schools 205 wrote on Facebook. "Traffic is being routed to the Schnucks on Charles Street."
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Just before 10 a.m., Principal Jim Parker alerted families that "students & staff are safe and accounted for," calling it a "best-case scenario during what could be the worst day of our lives."
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Students were being dismissed for the day and classes were canceled, with plans to resume on Thursday.
Counselors, social workers and psychologists were also being made available for those who need them.
The school noted that juniors were expected to take the SAT Wednesday, which is now being rescheduled for April 25.
"We’re working with Rockford Police as they continue to investigate," Parker said. "We are grateful for the quick response from Rockford Police and the cooperation from our students and staff. Again, this is the best-case scenario of a terrible situation."
The false report was one of several across Illinois Wednesday.
"This is not the only report received within the state today that was a swatting call," Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd said during a press conference. "We had two other districts within the state that were also victims of swatting calls and those calls were cleared as well."
Chicago police responded to Whitney Young High School for a similar report Wednesday morning. Chicago Public Schools confirmed that report was also false.
Carbondale police also said Carbondale High School was locked down for a report of a possible active shooter, but officers "upon arrival found there are no issues."
In Freeport, Illinois, District 145 said its high school "was part of a nationwide trend of what we believe to be a prank phone call today."
"The call indicated that there was a real emergency when in fact there was not. Just to be safe, the police walked the building with multiple squads responding. We are grateful for their quick response," the district said in a statement. "We were also notified by police that other area districts have received the same prank phone call this morning. While we are relieved that there was no real incident, we are not taking this lightly."
