(Seguin) – Dismissal turned a bit frightful for some students and staff over at Seguin High School Thursday afternoon. Reported threats immediately prompted a significant law enforcement response and the evacuation of the campus.
The situation unfolded near the end of the school day and significantly disrupted dismissal.
At approximately 4:17 p.m., the Seguin Police Department received a call from a male individual claiming to have both a firearm and a bomb at Seguin High School.
The call came two minutes after the campus had been released for the day.
The school resource officer was notified, and the SRO and campus security quickly began evacuating the remaining students and staff from the building. Officials say additional officers responded to the campus.
They say officers completed multiple thorough sweeps of the campus, no weapons, explosive devices, or other threats were located. Police determined there was no active threat to the campus.
The incident was determined to be a swatting call — a false report of a serious threat intended to generate a large-scale emergency response.
Seguin High School students awaiting pickup or who were already on the bus were transported to the Seguin Coliseum’s Midway Hall parking lot for reunification with their families.
The situation also impacted Thursday night’s athletic schedule. The freshman football games at Matador Stadium were canceled.
Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Jack Lee released a letter to parents and families following the evacuation, thanking school personnel and first responders for their response.
“Our high school staff did exactly what they were supposed to do and evacuated the building quickly, safely, and as efficiently as possible,” said Lee. “District staff immediately implemented our emergency protocols, including the reunification of students with their families at the Seguin Coliseum. I want to thank our staff for their work and, most importantly, for keeping the safety of our students at the center of every decision.”
Lee said the district’s first priority during an emergency is protecting students and staff, even when that means information to parents may be limited while the situation is unfolding.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff will always be our highest priority,” said Lee. “In an emergency, our first responsibility is to respond, ensure the safety of our students and staff, and work closely with law enforcement and emergency personnel.”
Lee says the district understands that parents and community members may have questions when an incident such as Thursday’s occurs.
“We will always work to communicate with families as quickly as we can, but there may be times when our initial focus must remain on managing the situation and ensuring everyone is safe,” said Lee. “We will provide information as quickly as we can once details are confirmed and appropriate to share.”
Lee also addressed speculation and rumors circulating about the incident.
“We ask our families and community to rely on official communications from Seguin ISD and our law enforcement partners for accurate information.”
The Seguin Police Department says swatting calls create fear and significant disruption for students and staff while also diverting law enforcement and emergency resources from legitimate emergencies.
Police and Seguin ISD officials thanked the Texas Department of Public Safety, Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office, Seguin Fire Department, Guadalupe County Fire Rescue, Guadalupe County Constable’s Office Precinct 2, and all other personnel who assisted during the incident.
Lee says he was grateful for the response from everyone involved.
“I am grateful for the calm and professional response of our staff, the cooperation of our students and families, and the immediate assistance of our law enforcement partners,” said Lee.
The Seguin Police Department says the incident remains under investigation.