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State and local police responded to a report of a person with a gun at St. John's Preparatory High School in Danvers shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday, May 22, Massachusetts State Police said.
The school also posted an advisory on their website saying, "There has been a report of an active shooter on campus at Benjamin Hall...Students, Faculty, and Staff are sheltering in place."
Authorities later revealed that a Danvers Police officer accidentally fired their gun and caused the situation from a swatting response to an active shooter investigation.
"There were...a number of people inside Benjamin Hall who heard the shot fired who called 911 to report that a shot was fired," Head of School Ed Hardman said during a press conference.
After sweeping the building, authorities did not find any credible threats or victims. St. John's later said they believed to have been the victim of a Swatting call.
"Everyone is safe, there have been no injuries and police are currently clearing campus buildings as we account for all students," another statement posted to the school's website said.
Parents were instructed to meet their students at the Stop and Shop parking lot on Route 62 and wait for further instructions. The origin of the threat is under investigation.
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