School threats could be latest in ‘swatting’

Associated Press

DENVER

Threats made against schools across the United States led to the evacuation of students Monday in what could be the latest example of so-called “swatting” against schools.

In recent months, hoaxers playing online games reportedly have used proxy servers and other high-tech identity-disguising tools to anonymously threaten schools online or in phone messages with electronic voices to trigger a huge police response, including SWAT teams.

The latest threats led to the evacuation of schools in Colorado, Utah, Delaware, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Media outlets in the United Kingdom also reported evacuations.