Sen. Rick Scott says his family home was swatted on Thanksgiving, condemning the act and advocating for stronger penalties for such dangerous hoaxes.
The Watertown Police Department has charged a 16-year-old in a swatting incident that took place in August 2025, the Watertown Police reported in a statement.
Because of a threat at Watertown High School in August, the school was placed under lockdown and the Watertown Police Department responded with high alert. The incident was a deliberate false report, police reported.
At approximately 9 a.m. Aug. 22, 2025, the Watertown Police Department responded to a reported threat at Watertown High School, the department stated in a release. The call indicated a weapon was going to be used inside the school, prompting an immediate and significant law enforcement response.
As a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown while officers conducted a thorough search of the building, the WPD reported. The investigation quickly determined that the call was a swatting incident. Swatting involves an individual deliberately making a false report, often claiming a serious, high-risk event such as an active shooter, hostage situation, bomb threat, or armed subject, in order to trigger a large scale, high-risk law enforcement response to an unsuspecting location. These calls are designed to prompt officers to respond under the belief that there is an immediate threat to life.
Swatting also diverts critical emergency resources away from legitimate calls for service, the WPD reported, creates fear and disruption within the community, and places both the public and first responders at unnecessary and substantial risk.
Following an extensive multi-agency investigation involving digital forensic analysis, subpoenas and coordination with multiple state and federal partners, a suspect was identified. On April 1, 2026, a 16-year-old juvenile from Watertown was arrested in connection with this incident. The juvenile is being held at the Codington County Detention Center on charges of terroristic threat, false report, and disturbance of a school.
This case highlights the complex nature of swatting investigations, which often involve internet-based phone services, out-of-state connections and coordinated activity across jurisdictions.
Although these investigations can take time, the Watertown Police Department remains committed to fully pursuing those responsible and holding them accountable, the WPD stated. Swatting incidents are not harmless pranks. They can result in serious criminal charges, long-term legal consequences and significant financial liability. The Watertown Police Department will seek restitution for the costs of the emergency response.
The Watertown Police Department works closely with the Watertown School District to ensure the safety of students and staff. As noted in the school district's communication at the time, the threat was determined to be a hoax and the lockdown was lifted once the building was cleared and deemed safe.
Anyone with information regarding similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Watertown Police Department.