05/15/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2026
Benewah County Sheriff’s Office Confirms May 13 School Threat Was a Hoax “Swatting” Call
The Benewah County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the following statement regarding the reported school shooter threat received on May 13, 2026.
After an extensive investigation conducted in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Benewah County Sheriff’s Office has determined the reported threat was part of a nationwide series of false reports, commonly known as a “swatting” call. Investigators found no credible threat to any school, student, staff member, or member of the public.
Similar calls have been reported at several schools across multiple states in the past weeks, some even the same day as the one called in at the St. Maries High School.
On May 13, Benewah County Deputies and the St. Maries City Police responded immediately and treated the threat as legitimate until it could be fully investigated and cleared. Law enforcement personnel conducted security operations, searches, and investigative follow-up to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and the community.
The Benewah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the fear and disruption incidents like this cause for families, students, school employees, and the broader community. The safety of our schools remains our highest priority, and every reported threat will continue to receive a full and immediate response.
False emergency reports and swatting incidents are serious criminal offenses that divert emergency resources, disrupt school operations, and create unnecessary panic and mental trauma. The investigation into the origin of this false report remains ongoing, and those responsible may face criminal prosecution under state and federal law.
The Benewah County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the St. Maries City Police, FBI, school administrators, faculty, parents, and students for their cooperation and professionalism throughout this investigation.
