Fall River, Massachusetts, September 18, 2025

News Summary

A lockdown was initiated at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, following a reported bomb threat. Police quickly responded, searching the school and confirming the threat was a hoax. Early student dismissal took place, and classes are expected to resume the next day. The caller’s actions may be linked to a trend known as ‘swatting’, highlighting concerns about school safety amidst recent national incidents.

Fall River, Massachusetts

Lockdown at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School after reported threat

A lockdown occurred at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River, Massachusetts, on Wednesday morning following a reported threat. Local and state law enforcement responded, conducted a thorough search, and later determined the call was a hoax. Students were released early and classes are expected to resume the following day.

Key facts and timeline

The police received a call from an individual claiming to be in crisis and in possession of a bomb and an AK-47 assault rifle while in a school bathroom. In response, local and state police responded to the scene to investigate the threat, including a K-9 unit and a helicopter. The lockdown was initiated around 10:15 a.m. and lifted before noon.

After a methodical search of the building and surrounding areas, Fall River police determined the reported threat was a hoax after conducting a thorough search of the school and nearby construction sites, finding no weapons or armed individuals. Students were safely dismissed early at 12:30 p.m., and parents were informed of the situation through the ParentSquare app.

Investigation and police actions

Police stated that the investigation into the hoax call would continue, utilizing forensic resources to identify the person responsible for the threat. Officials noted the situation may be connected to coordinated false reports intended to trigger large law-enforcement responses. Officials indicated that the incident might be related to “swatting,” a term used when someone makes a false report to elicit a response from law enforcement.

During dismissal, police requested patience from parents during student dismissal, emphasizing a systematic approach to ensure safety. Fall River officers used K-9 teams and an aerial unit as part of the response and confirmed no armed individuals or weapons were located on campus or at nearby construction sites.

Community reaction and school operations

Parents gathered outside the school, and parents gathered outside the school, expressing concerns for their children’s safety and fears fueled by previous school shooting incidents. Fall River police publicly acknowledged community cooperation and made a point to express appreciation for the school community’s response. Fall River police thanked the students, staff, and community for their cooperation during the lockdown.

Classes were expected to resume on a normal schedule the following day. School administrators and law enforcement coordinated to make early dismissal orderly and communicated with families via the ParentSquare app.

Background and broader context

The incident occurred amid heightened concern about school safety nationally. The incident follows several recent school threats and shootings across the country, raising anxiety among parents and students regarding school safety. Law enforcement and school officials continue to emphasize layered safety measures and clear communication when unverified threats arise.

Next steps

Investigators will continue forensic analysis and digital tracing to identify who made the call. School officials, in coordination with law enforcement, will review procedures and confirm or update safety messaging and protocols with families before students return to normal classes.

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Additional Resources

• Turn to 10 News
• Wikipedia: School Safety
• WCVB News
• Google Search: Fall River MA school lockdown
• Herald News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Shooting
• Boston.com
• Google News: Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School
• WPRI News
• Fall River Reporter

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