FBI investigating swatting calls targeting schools across the Philadelphia region

The FBI is investigating a wave of swatting and hoax threat calls that targeted schools across the Philadelphia region and triggered lockdowns, campus sweeps and school closures.

Officials said the calls affected schools in Philadelphia as well as Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Berks counties. FBI Philadelphia has said it is looking into the incidents and has no information so far indicating a credible threat.

One of the schools affected was Pennsbury High School, which was placed on a secure hold before being cleared. Other school and law-enforcement responses included bus diversions, campus sweeps and temporary closures or virtual instruction.

The calls came on May 4 and were still being publicly confirmed into May 5, as local stations and districts described the disruption. 6abc reported that the FBI said the bureau is aware of the threats and is working with partners on the investigation.

The FBI has previously warned that swatting is a serious crime that can put schools and other institutions at risk. For now, investigators say the main question is who made the calls and whether they were coordinated by one actor or several.