Today, several schools across San Diego placed high schools and other campuses into lockdown after receiving threatening phone calls that raised serious safety concerns among administrators, law enforcement, students, and families. In situations like this, schools implement emergency procedures designed to protect students and staff while authorities investigate the credibility of reported threats.
According to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), multiple hoax-style emergency calls — sometimes referred to as “swatting” when used to trigger a massive law enforcement response — were made to local high schools.
These calls led to precautionary lockdowns and increased police presence at several campuses to ensure the safety of everyone on site. Local officials have emphasized that these calls appeared to be false but were treated seriously, as any credible threat to a school community requires a full investigation.
In one such incident, a middle school in the Mira Mesa neighborhood issued a shelter‑in‑place order for students and staff while officers from SDPD worked to verify the situation and clear the scene. Shortly afterward, the lockdown was lifted when officers confirmed there was no active danger on campus.
Other lockdowns reported in the area were tied to similar situations where initial reports suggested potential threats. In one case, Mount Miguel High School was briefly locked down due to a vague report that sounded like a possible discharge of a firearm nearby, though no weapon was ever found and the threat was ultimately deemed unfounded.
Lockdowns are part of established emergency lockdown procedures used by San Diego Unified and other districts. During these, all doors and windows are secured, students remain in place, and no one is allowed to enter or exit campus until law enforcement gives the all‑clear. These procedures are meant to minimize risk and keep students safe while authorities assess any potential danger.
Officials continue to investigate the source of the threatening calls and are urging anyone with information to contact the police. Law enforcement agencies treat hoax and threatening calls seriously because they not only divert significant public safety resources but also cause fear and disruption in school communities.
Parents and guardians are advised to follow official notifications from schools and law enforcement, stay calm, and avoid attempting to pick up students during a lockdown, as doing so can interfere with emergency response efforts. Schools typically communicate updates through automated calls, emails, and text alerts once it is safe to do so.
