Swatting call triggers lockdowns, panic at several Coconut Grove schools
A swatting call falsely reporting a shooting at Ransom Everglades School led to a heavy police presence, multiple school lockdowns and terrified parents rushing to campus Wednesday morning.
Around 10:50 a.m., Miami Police received a report of a possible active shooter in the 3500 block of Main Highway, prompting an immediate lockdown of Ransom Everglades Middle and High Schools, as well as nearby Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart and Saint Hugh Catholic School.
Students locked down, parents in panic
Julie Valbuena, whose daughter is a sophomore at Ransom Everglades, was among the many parents who rushed to the school upon hearing the news.
"What went through your mind when you heard about this? I ran here. I got in my car. I figured it would be hard to get here, but I wanted to make sure I was close to my daughter whenever they let them out," Valbuena said.
Unable to initially reach her daughter, Valbuena described the terrifying wait.
"I tried calling her and texting her. I didn't hear from her, so I panicked," she said. Eventually, her daughter made contact. "She finally responded. She said, 'We're hiding in a fire exit and I'm scared. I think this is real,'" Valbuena recalled.
Students were relocated to secure areas while police officers with guns drawn searched the campus and surrounding areas. The lockdowns occurred while students were taking their final exams.
False alarm confirmed, investigation underway
Chopper footage showed law enforcement swarming the Ransom Everglades campus as part of the security sweep.
After approximately two hours, police gave the all-clear, confirming there was no threat and the report had been a swatting incident-a deliberate false alarm meant to provoke an emergency response.
Miami Police said all lockdowns were lifted shortly after 11:30 a.m. and confirmed that a thorough search had found no evidence of a shooting or any danger.
"I really do hope they find the person that called. They reprimand them properly," said June Savage, a local realtor.
Authorities say the investigation remains active. Once the person responsible for the swatting call is identified, they could face felony charges, including false reporting.
According to Ransom Everglades' academic calendar, commencement for graduating seniors took place on May 23 and the final day of school is scheduled for June 3.
