Gainesville, FL – A heavy law enforcement response was triggered at Eastside High School Tuesday morning after a caller falsely reported an active shooting, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Combined Communications Center received a call at 11:21 a.m. from a person stating, “send help, they are shooting.” Deputies were immediately dispatched to Eastside High School, located in Gainesville, Alachua County, near the broader North Central Florida region.
At the time of the call, two Alachua County School Resource Deputies were already on campus and reported that they did not hear any gunshots. Numerous additional deputies responded and conducted an extensive search of the school grounds.
After clearing the campus, authorities determined the report was a hoax, and no active threat was found. No injuries were reported.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that falsely reporting a violent crime involving a firearm is a second-degree felony under Florida State Statute 790.163. Investigators say deputies and detectives are actively working to identify who made the call.
School hoax threats, often referred to as “swatting,” have become an increasing concern nationwide due to the panic and disruption they cause for students, parents, and educators, as well as the diversion of emergency resources.
Parents and community members were advised that the situation has been resolved, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the false report is urged to contact the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
