MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Over 40 school districts across Florida, including those in Martin, Palm Beach, and Indian River Counties, received a wave of bomb threats sent via email last night. Law enforcement says this is part of a recent trend called “swatting,” and while the threats were not credible, schools in the area increased security in response.
While these threats may not turn into any action, parents tell us they are concerned. The recent “swatting” trend has become increasingly popular in recent years.
A bomb threat was shared across the state, reaching over 40 school districts in Florida at 6:30 p.m. last night. The sender wrote about setting off a bomb at an undisclosed school unless they received a ransom of one thousand dollars in cryptocurrency. Law enforcement determined the threat was a hoax.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek explains the chaos a swatting call creates: “The call provides a real address, real names, and a scenario that would normally garner the response of our swat teambut it creates a lot of pandemonium for our initial first responders because god forbid, we under respond. If it’s real, we need to respond appropriately.”
Even though no bombs were reported, schools across the Treasure Coast bolstered security on Wednesday, including those in St. Lucie County, despite not receiving the email themselves.
Many parents were notified shortly after districts received the threat, but one mother with two children in Palm Beach County schools tells us that was not her reality.
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Chelsea Gass expresses her frustration: “I’m furious that I got an email at 10:15 today, and other counties around here were notified the night before and had an opportunity to keep their kids home. My children’s safety is my number one priority.”
The Palm Beach County School District says it became aware of the situation this morning, since the threat was sent to a generic inbox that is checked during business hours.
Law enforcement officials tell us they take all threats against children seriously. Sheriff Budensiek explains his duty to inform the public: “Our number one focus is to keep them safe. And when we get a threat, even though we don’t think that it’s real, I feel like it’s my responsibility to tell parents exactly what’s going on so they can make an informed decision as to the safety of their children.”
The person who sent this email has not been identified. The charges for this crime could become serious, as sources tell us the FBI is involved and could bring federal charges to the table.
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