Phony bomb threat locks down three Murfreesboro schools

A phony bomb threat forced officials to secure three schools in Murfreesboro on Tuesday morning. The incident began when a caller contacted the main office of Blackmon High School at 11:30 a.m. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office identified the call as a swatting report.

Police traced the phone signal to the school parking lot. This location set off an emergency response protocol for Blackmon High School and two nearby schools. One of the other schools involved is a middle school and the third is an elementary school. The district placed all three buildings on lockdown at the time.

Sgt. Laura Kunze, the public information officer for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, said deputies swept the parking lot and the school buildings. She stated that the threat was not credible. Officers cleared the area after determining no danger remained inside or outside the structures.

James Evans, a spokesperson for Rutherford County Schools, explained that the district stops entry and exit during a lockdown. He said the school lets law enforcement conduct their investigation. Evans noted that the district sent three separate updates to parents to keep them informed during the wait.

Parents gathered at Blackmon High School to learn about the situation. The disruption lasted more than two hours before classes could resume. Shuntea Harris, a parent, said she was terrified when she arrived. She watched police stand outside the classroom windows as students remained inside.

Shalace Hudson, another parent, described the scene as very unsettling. She said seeing emergency vehicles without a clear explanation caused stress for her family. Her daughter will decide if she returns to school or goes home. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance camera video from the parking lot to find the caller.