ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Hidden Valley Middle School experienced two days of swatting incidents, according to the school’s website.
On Thursday, Principal Chris Benson sent the following email to parents regarding the first swatting incident:
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“This is the email parents received from the school for yesterday’s incident. Good afternoon,
As you all know, Hidden Valley Middle School was placed in secure mode this afternoon for what was initially thought to be police activity in the vicinity of the school campus. As more information became available, we received a report of a threatening social media post with information that could neither be verified nor deemed credible. Roanoke City and Roanoke County Police responded to the situation immediately and investigated the social media post thoroughly. We sincerely appreciate their rapid response.
We also appreciate all of our parents and guardians for their flexibility and patience this afternoon while we took extra precautions out of an abundance of caution. HVMS reminds parents/guardians and students to report any social media post that is concerning.
Finally, we commend our students and staff for handling this afternoon‘s incident professionally and calmly. Everyone inside the building did a fantastic job and demonstrated a great deal of patience as well.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!"
Hidden Valley Middle School Principal Chris Benson
It was revealed on Friday that both incidents are apparent cases of “swatting,” which has been a recurring issue for many Virginia schools. Swatting is defined in Virginia as "Any person who knowingly reports, or causes another to report in reliance on intentionally false information provided by such person, a false emergency communication to any emergency personnel that results in an emergency response."
Governor Youngkin even signed a bill in 2023 that increased the punishment for swatting attempts; up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. If someone is harmed as a result of the swatting, the punishment is much harsher.
Hidden Valley Public School is now back to normal operations, with an increased police presence for the remainder of Jan. 17.