Superintendent Update Regarding MHS, Monroe Lockdown 10.13.22

[UPDATE AS OF 1:50 p.m.]
 
Dear MUSD Community:
 
This is an update to my earlier communication regarding the report of an active shooter at Monrovia High School.
 
The lockdowns at both Monrovia High School and Monroe Elementary School have been lifted, and conditions have returned to normal.
 
The Monrovia Police Department conducted a thorough sweep of Monrovia High School's campus and determined that there was not a credible threat. MPD is investigating the source of the false threat in an effort to hold that person accountable for their actions. If you have any information about this, please contact them.
 
The school day will end at its regularly scheduled time. We understand that some parents may want to pick up their students sooner, and will accommodate that as requested.
 
Some students may have a difficult time processing this afternoon's events. Counselors at each of our schools are prepared to provide support to any student who needs it.
 
The safety of our students, teachers, and staff is our highest priority, and we take all threats of any kind seriously. I am grateful to our teachers and staff, the Monrovia Police Department, and the City of Monrovia for responding immediately to this situation and taking the necessary actions. Together, we all work very hard to ensure that our schools and our community remain safe places.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent
 
--- End of Update ---
 
Dear MUSD Community:
 
About 30 minutes ago, someone called 911 to report an active shooter at Monrovia High School.  As per protocol and out of an abundance of caution, the school immediately went into an emergency lockdown.  As a precaution, due to the proximity to Monrovia High School, Monroe was also placed on lockdown.
 
The Monrovia Police Department responded immediately and is currently on scene.  It appears as though this is not a credible threat.  There is no evidence of an active shooter at the high school and there has been no violence of any kind.  This may have been a "swatting" incident where a fake call is made to law enforcement in the hopes of eliciting a massive emergency response.  We have heard that schools in other districts may have received similar calls. 
 
The police will wrap up their sweep of Monrovia High School as quickly as possible.  As soon as they do and the both of our schools are no longer on lockdown and conditions return to normal, I will provide an additional update.
 
Ryan D. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent