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As a result, all 10,000 students at all 17 buildings were put in lockdown Friday. Eventually, when the threats were determined to be unfounded, all the students were dismissed early.
"School personnel, working in conjunction with police and fire department personnel, ensured that our students and staff were secure throughout the day," Fairfield Superintendent David G. Title said in a statement on the website. "Although we practice and drill for emergency events such as today’s, it can be unnerving for both students and staff when such events occur unexpectedly.
"As a resource, we have posted on our home page some tips for parents. In addition, should any student need assistance on Monday, we will have counseling staff available. If you believe that your child may be in need of assistance on Monday, please contact the school and let the teacher or principal know of your concerns, and we will ensure that your child receives appropriate support."
The incident began about 9 a.m. Friday, in police believe was a "swatting" incident, when callers report false information of possible violent activity or threats in order to see a police tactical response.
In the first call, officers were sent to what turned out to be a fictitious address on Black Rock Turnpike where an individual said he had killed a girlfriend and was holding hostages, Police Lt. James Perez said.
Police then received more calls — of a bomb at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, pipe bombs planted at Fairfield Warde High School, and a man with an M16 assault rifle headed to Holland Hill Elementary School, according to police.
The lockdowns were put in place at every school as a precaution.
Local, state and federal law enforcement organizations are all taking part in investigating the incident, Perez said.
Officers remained on duty through the mid-day early dismissals and beyond at those schools, with help from other departments, including Westport, Trumbull, Newtown, Seymour, Easton and Bridgeport.
State Sen. Tony Hwang, who represents Fairfield, promised to reintroduce legislation that would increase the penalties against those who threaten school violence.
“Our message must be heard loud and clear: Connecticut does not tolerate threats of violence against our schools,” said Hwang (R-28th District). “And if someone does commit such a despicable act, they will face severe penalties that bring the punishment more in line with the crime.”
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