HANCOCK, N.Y. (WBNG) — A large police scene was witnessed outside of Hancock High School on Thursday after reports of an incident inside the school that put it under lockdown.
As of 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, there is no threat to the school, and the incident has been cleared by New York State Police. Troopers confirmed that the school was under lockdown, but it had been lifted.
Dispatch in Delaware County received an initial report that shots were fired inside the school, and law enforcement responded immediately to the school, according to a statement from Superintendent Dr. Lori Asquith.
The school was searched, and there was no evidence of a shooting, but troopers remained at the scene to try to determine the cause of the incident, troopers said.
Numerous New York State Trooper vehicles were seen outside the school on Thursday afternoon. Troopers and local police were going in and out of the school. Some of the parents said the school told them that a loud noise was reported inside the building on the second floor and that precautionary steps were taken to ensure everyone’s safety, according to a 12 News reporter at the scene.
Students were seen coming out of the school and meeting parents.
“While the report was ultimately unfounded, the District recognizes that an incident of this nature is deeply unsettling for students, families, staff, and the broader community,” Asquith said. “Any report involving potential violence in a school setting is taken with the utmost seriousness, and the emotional impact of such moments is significant,” she said.
The district is grateful for the cooperation of students, staff, families, and first responders throughout the event.
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