UPDATE: Out-of-State “Swatting”-Style Threat Prompts ISD 196 School Closures; FBI Now Leading Investigation
Published: March 17, 2026 | Last Updated: March 17, 2026 at 4:15 pm.
DAKOTA COUNTY & HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA - Schools across IDS 196 were closed Tuesday after multiple threatening voicemails were discovered early in the morning, prompting a large, multi-agency law enforcement response. Authorities now say the threats were not credible and originated from outside Minnesota.
According to the district’s initial notification, several schools received voicemail threats around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday. By approximately 5:45 a.m., district officials decided to cancel classes for the day, citing safety concerns as students and staff prepared to arrive.
Investigation Determines Threat Was Not Credible
In an afternoon update and press release from the Eagan Police Department, they confirmed that investigators have traced the origin of the threats to an out-of-state source. Based on the information gathered, officials say the threats do not pose a danger to the community. Given the interstate nature of the case, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will now take over as the lead investigative agency.
“Because we were alerted to these threats in the early morning hours, investigators did not yet have the time needed to determine where these threats came from or whether they were credible,” police said in a statement. “ISD 196 made the decision to close schools out of an abundance of caution.”
Authorities added they are confident it is safe for students and staff to return to school.
Part of Broader “Swatting”-Type Activity
Additional information released by Bloomington Public Schools indicates the incident was not isolated to ISD 196. The same recorded message was reportedly received at more than a dozen schools and district facilities across multiple districts, including Bloomington, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage, and Intermediate District 917.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), are coordinating efforts to identify the source of the calls. Officials say the pattern is consistent with broader hoax or “swatting”-type activity, which has impacted school systems nationwide and often originates outside the local area.
Strong Regional Response
The response involved a coordinated effort among multiple agencies, including:
Eagan Police Department
Apple Valley Police Department
Rosemount Police Department
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Officials emphasized that the quick collaboration highlights strong regional partnerships and preparedness.
District Response and Safety Protocols
Despite the threat ultimately being deemed non-credible, school officials stressed that all threats are taken seriously and handled according to established safety protocols.
“Had the threat been assessed as credible, immediate actions would have been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students,” Bloomington Public Schools stated.
District leaders also acknowledged that even non-credible threats can be unsettling for families and staff, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting.
What’s Next
Authorities say the investigation remains active under federal leadership. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For now, officials are reassuring families that there is no ongoing threat and that schools are safe to reopen following Tuesday’s precautionary closure.
Written by: Will Wight
