Bay County [FL] high schools resume classes following swatting attempts

Mosley High School and Rutherford High School are no longer on lockdown following a series of bomb threats directed at them Monday morning.

In a news conference, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford and Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen addressed the media about the chaotic start to the first day of school.

Sheriff Tommy Ford said around 8:30 a.m., Panama City Police Department’s administrative line received an anonymous phone call claiming that there were “explosive devices” at Rutherford High School, along with individuals that may have planned to do harm.

Springfield Police Department, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and Bay District Schools police all responded to the scene.

While units were at Rutherford, another anonymous call was received around 9 a.m. making a bomb threat towards Mosley High School.

Both schools were thoroughly searched and ultimately cleared. Rutherford was given the all clear around 10:30 a.m. Mosley was given the all clear shortly after 11 a.m.

Officials said the incidents are believed to be the result of swatting, the intentional use of false emergency reports to trigger a large-scale law enforcement response. Investigators are actively working with the FBI and our federal law enforcement partners to identify those responsible.

Read more: WMBB-TV