Hoke High School Lockdown: Active Shooter Reports Prompts Lockdown – Raeford, NC
Hoke High School Lockdown: Active Shooter Reports Prompt Lockdown – Raeford, NC
Raeford, North Carolina – Hoke County High School was placed on lockdown Wednesday morning following reports of a possible active shooter, according to officials from the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office and Hoke County Schools. Authorities have since confirmed that no active shooter was found and that all students and staff are safe.
Lockdown Initiated After Reported Threat
The lockdown began shortly before 10:00 a.m., when law enforcement received reports suggesting a potential threat on or near the campus of Hoke County High School. As a precaution, school officials immediately activated lockdown procedures, securing all classrooms and restricting movement throughout the building.
Deputies and local police responded quickly, arriving at the scene within minutes. The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office conducted a comprehensive sweep of the school and surrounding area.
“At this time, there is no evidence of an active shooter or any credible threat to students or staff,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The lockdown was initiated out of an abundance of caution to ensure everyone’s safety.”
Students and Staff Safe, No Injuries Reported
During the lockdown, students remained safely in their classrooms under teacher supervision while officers conducted their investigation. Parents were alerted via the school district’s emergency notification system and were asked not to come to the campus until the situation was resolved.
After confirming there was no danger, authorities lifted the lockdown and allowed normal school operations to resume. No injuries were reported.
School District and Law Enforcement Response
Hoke County Schools released a statement thanking law enforcement and school staff for their quick actions:
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We appreciate the swift response from local law enforcement and the patience of our parents and community during this incident.”
The district also emphasized that additional counseling and support services would be made available for students who may have felt anxious or frightened during the lockdown.
Ongoing Investigation
Although the reports of an active shooter turned out to be false, the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the origin of the threat. Authorities are working to determine whether the call or message was part of a “swatting” hoax, a growing national trend involving false reports to prompt emergency responses.
Officials reminded the public that making false reports of violent threats is a serious crime that can lead to severe legal consequences.
Community Response
The Raeford community expressed both relief and concern following the incident. Parents praised the school’s quick communication and the law enforcement’s professionalism, while others called for continued investment in campus safety measures and threat assessment protocols.
