Threat Against Fargo Schools Deemed Not Credible

Lockdowns lifted after massive police response to unsubstantiated threat

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police radio or walkie-talkie, its metallic surface and buttons sharply illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of urgency and investigation without depicting any violence or victims.A police response to an unsubstantiated school threat highlights the need for robust threat assessment protocols.Fargo Today

A threat directed toward Fargo North High School and Washington Elementary School led to lockdowns at both buildings and a massive police response on Friday. However, the threat was determined not to be credible after an investigation.

Why it matters

School threats, even if not substantiated, can cause significant disruption and fear in the community. This incident highlights the need for robust threat assessment protocols and coordination between schools and law enforcement to ensure student and staff safety.

The details

Police received the threat call around 1:15 p.m. and responded with Fargo, West Fargo and NDSU Police, Cass County deputies, Fargo fire and Sanford Ambulance. They conducted vehicle and building searches, but found no evidence to support the threat. The lockdowns were lifted around 2:45 p.m. An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the call.

  • The threat call was received around 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The lockdowns at Fargo North High School and Washington Elementary were lifted around 2:45 p.m. the same day.

The players

Travis Stefonowicz

Interim Police Chief of Fargo, North Dakota.

Fargo Public School District

The school district that received the threat call.

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What they’re saying

“The threat was determined not to be credible.”

— Travis Stefonowicz, Interim Police Chief

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the threat call.

The takeaway

While school threats can cause significant disruption, this incident highlights the importance of thorough threat assessment and coordination between schools and law enforcement to ensure student and staff safety, even when threats are ultimately deemed not credible.