Lockdowns Lifted at Fargo Schools After Threat

Police determine no public danger after reports of armed individual near high school

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police radio or other law enforcement equipment, the harsh flash illuminating the textured surface and creating dramatic shadows, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the school threat response.The rapid police response and lockdown procedures at Fargo schools reveal the heightened vigilance around potential threats, even as authorities work to verify credibility and prevent false alarms.Fargo Today

The Fargo Police Department has determined there is no threat to the public after receiving calls about a person with a weapon near Fargo North High School. This led to lockdowns at North High, Washington Elementary, and Ben Franklin Middle Schools as a precaution, but no injuries were reported and the lockdowns were lifted after officers confirmed the situation was safe.

Why it matters

School safety and security are top priorities, and the quick response by law enforcement and school officials to secure the campuses and ensure student and staff wellbeing is crucial. However, the potential for false or exaggerated threat reports, known as 'swatting', raises concerns about efficient use of police resources and avoiding unnecessary panic.

The details

According to Fargo Police interim chief Travis Stefonowicz, a call came in at 1:14 pm reporting a potentially armed individual headed towards Fargo North High School. The school resource officer on site immediately worked with school administration to initiate lockdowns at North High, Washington Elementary, and Ben Franklin Middle. Officers then secured the perimeter and used drones, security cameras, and partner agencies to visually confirm there was no threat before lifting the lockdowns.

  • At 1:14 pm, a call came in reporting a potential armed individual near Fargo North High School.
  • The lockdowns at the three Fargo schools were lifted after officers confirmed there was no threat.

The players

Travis Stefonowicz

Interim chief of the Fargo Police Department.

Cory Steiner

Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools.

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What they’re saying

“At 1:14 p.m., a call came in where potentially an armed individual was headed towards the Fargo North School. Our school resource officer was already on scene and was able to establish contact with the school administration and together they were able to lock down the school and make sure that everybody on the inside was okay.”

— Travis Stefonowicz, Interim Police Chief

“The first thing we make sure and we take serious is making sure every kid and staff member in those buildings are safe. And once we were able to secure and make sure that was done, we started notifying.”

— Cory Steiner, Superintendent

What’s next

The Fargo Police Department stated they will work with state, local, and federal partners to investigate the source of the call and take steps to prevent similar false threat reports in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of school safety protocols and the swift response of law enforcement and school officials to secure campuses when potential threats arise. However, the possibility of 'swatting' calls that waste police resources and sow unnecessary panic also underscores the need for thorough investigation and prevention of such false reports.