UPDATE: Lakeshore, St. Joe schools' lockdown lifted, initial cause found to be 'swatting'

UPDATE THREE: Authorities were called out to a number of schools to investigate an external threat, placing them on lockdown.

At Lakeshore High School, parents and students speak about how these events quickly led to panic.

Freshman Taryn Combs recalled the frightening moments that led to her mother Amber Mendoza coming to pick her up early this afternoon along with a long line of other parents eager to hug their students.

“One of my friends had pointed out that the lockdown light was blinking, so I hadn’t thought anything of it," stated Combs. "Then I saw people who were eating lunch outside come in, and I raised some more awareness. Then I heard that someone said he has a gun, run, and everybody just ran as fast as they could.”

Luckily, officials say it was all a false alarm, part of a swatting call schools across the US have been receiving. St. Joesph High School, just miles away, was also placed on lockdown and lifted theirs around 2 p.m. this afternoon.

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- UPDATE TWO: The St. Joseph Public Safety Department reports officers were dispatched to St. Joseph High School at 2521 Stadium Dr. in St. Joseph to investigate an "external threat."

Authorities say the investigation determined the threat to be part of a "swatting" call, which school districts all over the U.S. have been receiving.

The report states as a preventive measure, St. Joseph Public Schools were placed on a lockdown.

Authorities say it was then determined that SJPS was safe, and students returned to class.

According to authorities a follow-up investigation is underway to learn more about where the threat originated.

The preliminary investigation shows the threat was generated outside of the U.S.

UPDATE: School officials announced the buildings have been cleared and outdoor activities can resume as normal. Parents may also pick up their children if they'd like to.

Officials say the incident was found to be a "swatting" event.

Most recent statement from Lakeshore Schools:

Dear Lakeshore Community,

We are pleased to inform you that all buildings have been cleared, and outdoor activities can resume. If you would like to pick up your child, we are releasing students to their parents.

It has been confirmed that the incident was a "swatting" event, which involves making a false report to elicit a large police response. Several districts experienced similar swatting incidents this afternoon.

We are relieved to share that there was no actual danger to our students or staff.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigated this situation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

The lockdown at St. Joseph Public Schools has also been lifted.

Full SJPS statement follows:

Dear SJPS Families,

Around 12:30 this afternoon, SJPS received a call from Berrien County Dispatch indicating an external threat to St. Joseph High School. Our staff and students followed our practiced procedures and went into lockdown immediately. Out of an abundance of caution, the other schools in SJPS were also put on lockdown.

We have now confirmed with law enforcement that there was no actual threat to the district. We are confident that our students are safe, therefore our buildings are no longer in lockdown. Per local authorities, this was an example of swatting–a false emergency call to prompt a heavy law enforcement response to a particular address. The false report came from an IP address overseas. Several districts experienced similar swatting incidents this afternoon.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this lockdown, as well as the immediate response of law enforcement officers and staff.

Sincerely,

Kristen Bawks, Superintendent

ORIGINAL STORY: Two local schools are on lockdown Thursday morning as school officials say an "external threat" is present.

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office is not releasing much information on the threat at this time but has confirmed that all schools in both the Lakeshore and St. Joseph Community School districts are on lockdown due to the same threat.

Full statement from Lakeshore High School:

Dear Lakeshore Public School Families,

As a preventive measure, Lakeshore Public Schools is currently on lockdown. This decision was made in response to an external threat reported in the vicinity, and we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

We are working closely with local law enforcement and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The safety and wellbeing of everyone in our district remain our top priority.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.