A lockdown at Palm Springs High School was lifted the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 4 after police determined no active threat existed on campus.
The school had initiated a lockdown after the office received a call at around 10:51 a.m. from a male who threatened violence involving a firearm and explosive, according to Palm Springs Police Lt. Gustavo Araiza.
The police immediately dispatched officers to the school and commenced a search, using bomb-detecting dogs.
“It was determined there was no active threat at Palm Springs High Schoo,” Araiza said in an email. “The lockdown has since been lifted, and all students and staff are safe.”
He noted that false reports of violence at school had increased in recent weeks. Police are continuing to investigate.
The lockdown lifted around 1:45 p.m. Thursday.
“We are extremely grateful to our Palm Springs Police officers and District security team for their prompt response to this call,” Superintendent of Schools Marcus Funchess said in news release. “We are relieved that this threat was not credible, and we thank our Palm Springs High students, staff and families for their understanding and patience during the lockdown. The safety of our students and staff are our number one priority, and every threat is taken seriously.”
The school had notified parents of the lockdown, some of whom showed up to the campus. While the lockdown was in place, the parents were unable to enter the school. They were, however, allowed to sign their children out of classes after police finished their search.
This is a developing story.
Desert Sun Executive Editor Kate Franco contributed to this story. Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at smorgen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Lockdown at Palm Springs High School lifted after police find ‘no active threat’ on campus
Reporting by Sam Morgen, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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