Bomb Threat Evacuates Students

A bomb threat at East Lansing High School on Friday, May 1, forced the school to evacuate students and send them home early, according to East Lansing Public Schools officials.

The threat came in around 9:30 a.m. on May 1, as reported by The Lansing Journal. Someone called a non-emergency line reporting activity consistent with a potential act of violence at the high school shortly after 9 a.m.

"The information provided by the caller was detailed and raised immediate concern but was suspicious in nature," East Lansing officials said in a statement.

Responding East Lansing and MSU police officers found conditions did not match the caller's description, and a search of the building turned up no threat.

In an email to parents about 9:40 a.m., East Lansing Public Schools said staffers were "walking the common areas of the building," then planned to evacuate students to the football stadium so classrooms could be checked. Officials asked that community members not come to the high school.

"All other ELPS buildings remained in secure mode, but parents were told they could pick up students at those buildings if they wished," the email stated.

Drivers and walkers were released for the day, and students riding buses or being picked up by parents were to be released shortly.

Shortly after 11 a.m., officials announced the evacuation and dismissal at the high school had been completed and that all other buildings were back to normal mode.

AG Nessel Calls for Stricter Laws

Following the incident, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reminding students of the seriousness of swatting incidents and is urging the Michigan Legislature to enact stricter penalties for those who make false threats.

Swatting is defined as a prank call made to emergency services in an attempt to dispatch law enforcement to a particular location.

"Swatting is a reckless crime that diverts law enforcement resources and leaves students and faculty fearing for their lives," Attorney General Nessel said. "Our current laws are not strong enough. The Legislature must pass stricter penalties that truly reflect the seriousness of this offense."

Under current law, swatting could result in the following charges:

  • False report of a crime, a 93-day misdemeanor;
  • False report resulting in physical injury, a 5-year felony;
  • False report resulting in a serious bodily impairment, a 10-year felony; and/or
  • False report resulting in a death, a 15-year felony.

Potential charges one could face if they make a threat of violence include:

  • Communicating a threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony;
  • Calling in a bomb threat, a 4-year felony; and
  • Malicious use of a telecommunications device, a 6-month misdemeanor.

In addition to serving time in jail or prison, those who are found guilty of these crimes can face fines of up to $20,000.

Residents who receive or know of a threat of violence against their community should contact their local law enforcement. They can also leave a tip with the state's OK2SAY hotline by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or texting 652729 (OK2SAY).

OK2SAY, which is housed within the Michigan State Police, provides for confidential reports of potential self-harm, harm to others, or criminal acts including, but not limited to, sexual abuse, assault, or rape, directed at students, school employees, or schools in this state. The hotline operates 24/7 and protects the confidentiality of the reporter's identity.