Keokuk, Fort Madison high schools receive ‘swatting calls’ along with other Iowa schools

LEE COUNTY, Iowa (WGEM) - Both Keokuk and Fort Madison police reported Tuesday morning that they responded to school “swatting calls” along with other law enforcement agencies across Iowa.

Keokuk Police reported they cleared Keokuk High School and believe there is no threat. Police stated they would also provide extra patrol.

Keokuk Police said similar incidents happened in Central Lee, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids.

Fort Madison Police reported they responded to the call of an active shooter at Fort Madison High School around 10 a.m. Police said the school was locked down and a search was conducted.

During a press conference Tuesday morning, Iowa Department of Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said these calls are fake and designed to create chaos. He said no threats have been deemed imminent.

Officials confirmed the calls also happened in Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Iowa City, Tiffin, Clinton, Davenport, Muscatine, and in Cerro Gordo, Story and Polk counties.

Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber released the following statement regarding the incidents:

KCRG contributed to this story.