Unfounded threat involving Butler County Middle School found to be ‘swatting incident’

BUTLER COUNTY, Ky. – Butler County Schools is sharing information regarding an unfounded threat involving Butler County Middle School.

According to a statement by Superintendent Robert Tuck, around 10 p.m. Sunday, the Kentucky State Police received a report regarding a possible threat involving Butler County Middle School for Monday, Oct. 19.

School officials say they were made aware of the report, with KSP immediately conducting an investigation.

Throughout the investigation, Tuck says KSP did not identify information confirming a credible threat that would warrant recommending closure of the school. Due to an open investigation, Tuck says authorities could not release all of the details at the time.

Despite this, Tuck says Butler County Schools took the report seriously, working with KSP, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and the Morgantown Police Department to implement additional precautions, including an increased law enforcement presence at the district’s schools.

On Monday morning, Tuck says the district learned the report came from a phone number “associated with West Virginia,” school officials say.

The investigation continued, resulting in the unsubstantiated threat being identified as a “swatting incident,” Tuck states.

The full statement from Butler County Schools may be viewed below:

“Dear Butler County Schools Families and Community,”

“First, I want to thank our parents, students, staff, and community for their patience and understanding as law enforcement worked to investigate the reported threat involving Butler County Middle School. We recognize that situations like this create understandable concern, and we appreciate the trust our families place in us to make decisions regarding the safety of their children.

“What Happened and What We Know:
At approximately 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, Kentucky State Police (KSP) received a report of a potential threat involving Butler County Middle School for Monday, October 19. District officials were made aware of the report, and KSP immediately began investigating.
Throughout the initial investigation, KSP had not identified information substantiating a credible threat that would warrant recommending the closure of school. Because the investigation was ongoing, law enforcement could not release all details at that time.

“Although no verified threat had been established, Butler County Schools took the report seriously. Working with Kentucky State Police, the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Morgantown Police Department, we implemented additional precautions, including an increased law enforcement presence at our schools.

“On Monday morning, we learned that the report had originated from a phone number associated with West Virginia. However, that information alone did not establish who made the report or whether the allegation was credible. Law enforcement continued investigating the source and circumstances of the complaint.

“Findings of the Investigation:
This afternoon, KSP provided the district with its findings regarding the incident.
According to the information shared with us, the situation originated through an online gaming interaction in which a student was targeted in what is commonly referred to as a swatting incident.
During the interaction, an individual obtained personal information about the student and attempted to use that information to obtain additional details. When those efforts were unsuccessful, the individual allegedly made a false report claiming that the student intended to carry out a shooting at the school.

“Law enforcement worked to verify information, review available records, and investigate the circumstances before reaching its determination. Based on the findings communicated to the district, KSP did not substantiate the reported threat against BCMS.
We recognize that families wanted immediate answers. However, investigations of this nature require time, and releasing unverified information could create additional confusion or interfere with law enforcement’s work.

“School Safety and Our Responsibility:
The decision to hold school was not made without consideration for the safety of our students and staff. Throughout the situation, district officials remained in communication with law enforcement and considered the information available at the time.
While law enforcement had not identified a substantiated threat warranting school closure, we believed it was appropriate to take additional precautions while the investigation continued.

“We take all reported threats seriously, regardless of where they originate, and will continue to evaluate each situation individually in consultation with law enforcement.

“The Importance of Online Safety:
Unfortunately, incidents involving online harassment, stolen personal information, false threats, and swatting are becoming a growing concern for schools and communities across the country.
This situation reminds us that online activity can have serious consequences beyond a computer screen or gaming system. We encourage parents to talk with their children about protecting personal information, recognizing suspicious online interactions, and reporting concerning behavior to a trusted adult.

“Butler County Schools has also taken steps to participate in national litigation involving social media companies. While that litigation addresses broader concerns regarding the impact of social media on young people, one of the district’s goals in participating is to support greater accountability, stronger safeguards, and improved protections for children in digital environments.

“Incidents such as this reinforce the importance of continuing conversations about online safety and the responsibility we all share in protecting young people.

“Moving Forward Together:
I want to personally thank Kentucky State Police for their continued efforts in investigating this incident, along with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, and Fish and Wildlife for their willingness to provide additional law enforcement presence and support our schools.

“I also want to thank our school administrators, staff, students, and families for their patience and cooperation.
We understand the concern this situation created throughout our community. Butler County is not immune to the challenges associated with online threats and misuse of technology, but we can continue to strengthen our response by working together, communicating responsibly, and maintaining strong partnerships between our schools, families, and law enforcement.

“Our commitment remains the same: to provide a safe learning environment for every student and staff member while communicating as openly and accurately as circumstances allow.

“Thank you for your continued support of Butler County Schools. If you ever have questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 270-526-5624.

“One Team. One Vision. Butler Strong.
Robert Tuck
Superintendent
Butler County Schools”