Statewide school shooter threats and hoaxes being investigated by state police — New Jersey State Police-file photo

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Phone calls regarding threats to schools and school shootings Friday morning throughout the entire state but concentrated at the Jersey Shore are now being investigated by the New Jersey State Police.

On Friday morning, multiple schools at the Jersey Shore and beyond were contacted via phone regarding threats of shooters or active shooters at multiple locations.

“The New Jersey State Police has been made aware of numerous active shooter threats targeting various school districts throughout the state,” the New Jersey State Police said today in a statement. “Several schools have been placed on lockdown, and after thorough investigations by local, state, and county authorities, the threats have proven to be unfounded.”

The New Jersey State Police confirm what happened said earlier by local law enforcement agencies that the threats have been deemed not credible. A multi-agency effort is now underway to track down the person or persons making the phone calls in order to bring them to justice.

“The State Police and our law enforcement partners take all threats seriously and will utilize every asset at our disposal to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, administrators, and the public,” the agency said. “We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.”

Schools in Freehold, Toms River, Jackson Township and Barnegat all received threats early this morning, some leading to evacuations and lockdowns.

Here’s what we know so far.

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