Garfield County Dispatch received a report at approximately 8 a.m. of an individual armed with a shotgun outside of Rifle High School who was allegedly planning to enter the school and carry out a shooting, a news release from the Rifle Police Department stated. 

Officers from the Rifle Police Department responded immediately to the scene and conducted a thorough check of the surrounding area of the school and cleared the building to ensure safety of all students and staff. 

The school was placed on lockdown as a precaution and the Rifle PD’s response was reinforced by the support of Garfield County Sheriff’s Deputies and Colorado State Patrol. Together, they completed a comprehensive search of the property and surrounding areas. 

After careful investigation, it was determined this report of a person with a shotgun with intentions to start a shooting was a false alarm, also known as a swatting event. Swatting is the practice of making false emergency calls to provoke a large law enforcement response to an intended target. 

Swatting often disrupts communities and drains critical resources and poses a serious risk to public safety and causes emotional distress for all involved. 

Rifle High School resumed normal operations on Tuesday. Rifle PD extends sincere gratitude to Garfield Re-2 district teachers, staff, parents and students for their patience, understanding and cooperation, and calm response in a challenging situation. 

Rifle PD also thanks and appreciates the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol for their invaluable assistance in this response, coordination and support among agencies. 

The Rifle PD takes all reports of potential threats seriously and are dedicated to keeping the schools safe. Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the Rifle Police Department at 970-665-6500.