Bismarck, N.D. – Bismarck police are investigating a suspected swatting attempt after a caller reported an emergency at Bismarck High School, claiming she was hiding in a bathroom while her boyfriend was in the school parking lot threatening her with a gun and bomb.
The Bismarck Police Department received the call at about 1:15 p.m. Sept. 30. Because of the urgent nature of the report, the call was immediately transferred to Central Dakota Communications, and officers were dispatched to the school.
Officers conducted coordinated sweeps of Bismarck High School and the surrounding parking lot while investigating the reported threat. Police said no evidence of a threat, weapon or suspicious device was found.
Investigators later determined that the call originated from a Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, number. Police explained that VOIP services allow calls to be made through an app or computer rather than a traditional physical phone and can obscure the caller’s actual location, making them more difficult to trace.
The investigation also found that Mandan High School had received a nearly identical threat involving similar details and a similar method of delivery.
Because of the similarities between the two incidents and the lack of any credible danger found at either location, Bismarck police said they strongly believe the call was part of a swatting attempt.
Swatting involves making a false emergency report designed to trigger a significant police response, potentially putting students, school employees, officers and members of the public in dangerous situations.
The Bismarck Police Department said the case remains under active investigation.
Police thanked school staff, students and families for their cooperation as officers responded to the report and worked to ensure everyone’s safety.
