Lockdowns lifted at Fargo schools, police say report of a person with gun was false

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Part of the chaos came this afternoon, as Multiple Fargo schools were placed on lockdown following a phone call to Red River Dispatch indicating a weapon outside of school grounds.

Fargo North High School, Washington Elementary School, and Ben Franklin Middle School were placed on lockdown status.

Dozens of officers from multiple law enforcement agencies, including Fargo Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Dakota Highway Patrol, responded.

At around 2:30, the lockdown was lifted, but out of caution, Fargo Police remained in the area until students were let out.

“The first thing we make sure of and we take seriously is making sure every kid and staff member in those buildings are safe. And once we were able to secure and make sure that was done, we started notifying families, and we notified families at Fargo North, Washington Elementary, and Ben Franklin,” said Dr Cory Steiner, Superintendent at Fargo Public Schools.

“We will do our best to bring this case to fruition and use all available resources to ensure that we can find the person that has done this,” said Travis Stefonowicz, Interim Chief of Fargo Police.

The incident remains under investigation.

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FARGO (KVRR) – Fargo police have determined that a phone call to Red River Dispatch indicating a person was outside of North High School with a weapon was not credible.

North High School, Washington Elementary School, and Ben Franklin Middle School were placed on lockdown status until police gave the all-clear.

Dozens of officers from multiple law enforcement agencies including Fargo Police, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the North Dakota Highway Patrol responded.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Fargo Police Department will continue to maintain a presence in the area until the completion of the day at all three schools.

Police Chief Chris Helmick says a similar threatening call was received in South Dakota. Helmick says it’s not clear where the call originated.

“School safety is always of the utmost importance and concern. Fargo Public Schools continues to be thankful for our strong partnership with the Fargo Police Department to investigate these types of calls immediately,” according to a statement released by Fargo Public Schools.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.