RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS News UPDATE) - Multiple schools across Tennessee were placed on lockdown Monday morning after a series of threatening phone calls targeted campuses in Rutherford, Williamson and Montgomery counties, prompting large-scale law enforcement investigations that ultimately determined the threats were unfounded.

The incidents began unfolding early Monday as schools in several Middle Tennessee communities received threatening calls, leading administrators and law enforcement agencies to immediately activate safety protocols while officers searched campuses and investigated the origins of the threats. One of the first steps in this process involved the schools being placed on lockdown. 

In Rutherford County, three schools were placed on lockdown after phone threats were reported, according to Rutherford County Schools Chief Communications Officer James Evans. The affected campuses included Smyrna High School, LaVergne High School and Holloway High School.

Evans said the lockdowns were implemented as a precautionary measure while officers thoroughly searched each school.

“Three schools have received phone threats this morning in Rutherford County. Those schools are Smyrna High, LaVergne High and Holloway High. All three schools have been placed on a lockdown, which is standard procedure, while law enforcement thoroughly investigate.”

Parents of students attending the three schools were notified shortly after the threats were reported. Evans explained the procedures being followed during the lockdowns, stating: “We have notified parents at all three schools. During this lockdown, students are kept in their classrooms and no one is allowed to enter or leave the school until law enforcement gives us clearance to do so.”

As Rutherford County authorities investigated the threats locally, it quickly became clear the incidents extended well beyond county lines.

Evans also told WGNS News: “Schools in other counties have received similar threats this morning, and law enforcement is investigating those as well. We know these situations can be alarming to parents, but we have these procedures in place to keep students and employees safe. We will update you once we have more details.”

In neighboring Williamson County, threats were also phoned into Franklin High School and Page High School. Both campuses were placed on lockdown while police investigated the incidents. Authorities later determined those threats were unfounded after searches were completed.

The threats did not stop in Middle Tennessee. In Clarksville, near the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, additional threats were reportedly directed toward Clarksville High School and Northwest High School. Clarksville law enforcement agencies also responded and investigated the threats before determining the calls were unfounded.

By midday Monday, Rutherford County Schools released an updated statement for parents, announcing that all three Rutherford County campuses had been cleared by investigators and normal operations were resuming.

“This is James Evans again with Rutherford County Schools, and we have an important update for you concerning the phone threats that were called in to three of our schools this morning,” Evans said in the noon release.

"The threats were made toward LaVergne High, Smyrna High and Holloway High School. Threats were also made to schools in other counties in Tennessee, according to law enforcement."

After searches were completed, Evans confirmed no credible threats had been located.

"All three of our schools have been searched and cleared by the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers and other law enforcement agencies, and it has been determined that none of the threats were credible. As such, we have lifted the lockdowns at those schools, and the schools have resumed normal operations."

Evans added, "We know these situations alarm parents, but we appreciate your patience as we worked through our safety procedures."

Authorities now believe the incidents may be connected to a growing nationwide trend commonly referred to as “swatting,” where false threats involving bombs, shootings or other dangerous incidents are phoned in to trigger major emergency responses from police and first responders.

The tactic has increasingly targeted schools across the country in recent years, causing widespread fear and disruption for students, parents, teachers and administrators. In many cases nationwide, investigators have discovered the calls originated from individuals outside the affected states.

As of Monday afternoon, no arrests had been announced, and investigators had not released information regarding who made the calls or what specifically motivated the threats. Multiple law enforcement agencies across Tennessee continue working to determine whether the incidents are connected.

PREVIOUS NEWS: MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Three Rutherford County schools were placed on lockdown Monday morning after receiving phone threats, according to Rutherford County Schools Chief Communications Officer James Evans.

The schools impacted were Smyrna High School, LaVergne High School and Holloway High School.

Evans said the lockdowns were initiated as a precautionary measure while law enforcement officers conducted thorough investigations at each campus.

“During this lockdown, students are kept in their classrooms and no one is allowed to enter or leave the school until law enforcement gives us clearance to do so,” Evans stated.

Parents of students attending the three schools were notified shortly after the threats were reported. School officials emphasized that the lockdown procedure is part of established safety protocols designed to protect students and employees during potential emergencies.

Authorities also noted that schools in other counties received similar threats Monday morning, prompting investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies across the region.

School officials acknowledged that situations involving threats can create concern and anxiety for families, but stressed that established emergency response plans are intended to maintain safety while investigations are underway.

Rutherford County Schools said additional information will be released as more details become available from investigators.

Noon Release from Evans Regarding Threat on Monday, May 11, 2026:

This is James Evans again with Rutherford County Schools, and we have an important update for you concerning the phone threats that were called in to three of our schools this morning. 

The threats were made toward LaVergne High, Smyrna High and Holloway High School. Threats were also made to schools in other counties in Tennessee, according to law enforcement. 

All three of our schools have been searched and cleared by the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers and other law enforcement agencies, and it has been determined that none of the threats were credible. As such, we have lifted the lockdowns at those schools, and the schools have resumed normal operations. 

We know these situations alarm parents, but we appreciate your patience as we worked through our safety procedures. 

Previous Statement Released by Evans with RCS: 

We know these situations can be alarming to parents, but we have these procedures in place to keep students and employees safe. We will update you once we have more details.