TBI investigates school shooting hoax calls in Tennessee this morning

One fake report involved Brainerd High in Chattanooga

UPDATE:
Media reports say there were threats across the state this morning, from Johnson City to Memphis. The TBI says none have proved valid.

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CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The TBI reports a wave of school threats made this morning across East Tennessee.

The Hamilton County school system got one such hoax call to one local school.

The TBI reports the calls came to local law enforcement.

We got one to our newsroom also reporting specific information about the alleged “shots fired” in a classroom at Brainerd.

But officials say all schools are currently safe and operating as usual.

“This morning, Hamilton County Schools was notified that law enforcement was responding to Brainerd High School for a report of shots being fired. In working with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, we have determined this was the result of a false call. We have received reports of this type of call being made in districts across the state this morning. All of our schools have been notified that these false calls are taking place. As a result, all of our schools are maintaining heightened awareness for anything out of the ordinary.”

Knoxville got similar hoax calls this morning for three of their schools along with a threat in Hamblen County.

“TBI is currently working with state and federal partners to determine the source of several hoax calls, placed to local law enforcement agencies, reporting an active shooter at several high schools in the state,” TBI officials said.

And just to head off any more confusion or panic, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports that they have a previously scheduled school shooting drill this afternoon at Whitwell Elementary.