Threats targeting Hamden middle school and Walmart were deliberate hoax, police say

Hamden police said anonymous threats targeting Hamden Middle School and a local Walmart were a deliberate hoax after officers, detectives and the New Haven Bomb Squad searched both sites and found no credible danger.

The department said normal operations resumed after the response. Police also warned that false reports are thoroughly investigated and can carry significant legal consequences.

What police said

Detective Hailey Zarzuela described the incident as a swatting event and a deliberate hoax. According to police, the anonymous threats claimed there were active shooters and explosive devices at the school and the store.

Police said they responded on Wednesday to the reported threats, then continued assessing the scene before confirming on Thursday that the reports were false.

Broader context

The Hamden incident comes amid a cluster of similar swatting and hoax threats reported at Connecticut schools in recent days, including incidents in Weston, Greenwich, Westport, Darien, Watertown and Brookfield.

Police have not said who made the anonymous threats. Investigators may still pursue charges if a suspect is identified.