Utah County Schools Hit by School Shooting Threat Hoax

AMERICAN FORK, Utah (ABC4) – Several schools in Utah County were at the center of what police are calling a school shooting hoax on Friday morning, November 15.

Rich Stowell with the Alpine School District confirmed that approximately 12 elementary schools in the Alpine, Nebo and Provo school districts received threatening phone calls. The calls were reportedly recordings left on school voicemails after hours on Thursday and were discovered when administrators came in on Friday morning.

The threats reportedly did not specifically identify any of the schools and did not even mention Utah. Stowell said the school district is cooperating with local police in their investigation and confirmed that none of the threats are believed to be credible.

“When we hear threatening messages, we take steps to assess the risk to our students,” Alpine School District said in a statement. “Our school administrators and district safety personnel are skilled and committed to student safety.”

Fork Police Department Lt. Stuart Fore confirmed at least one hoax call targeting Barratt Elementary School. Fore said the threat was reported around 8 a.m. on Nov. 15 and that the threats are unsubstantiated. However, he said police are “responding appropriately” to the calls.

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Fore told ABC4.com that there have been reports of several other similar threats affecting schools in Utah County, but could not confirm any further details.

No changes will be made to class schedules or locations.

“We appreciate the cooperation we have with local law enforcement agencies,” the Alpine School District continued. “Police officers are important members of our team and ensure our students are safe.”

Earlier this year the The Utah Legislature increased the penalties for students and adults found guilty of making threats against schools and reporting false emergencies.

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Under the 2024 bill, adults accused of making school threats can now be charged with a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, if convicted. Students found responsible for making a school threat or reporting a false emergency will be suspended or expelled.

Some hoax threats may even charge you, depending on their severity as a federal crime. According to the FBI, perpetrators can face up to five years in prison.

This is a development story. ABC4 will update this message as new information becomes available.

MJ Jewkes contributed to this report.

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