Multiple Tennessee high schools were placed on lockdown this morning following a series of bomb threats that authorities believe to be a coordinated hoax, though law enforcement made clear that every report was being fully investigated to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The first call came into Franklin High School in Franklin, where police responded immediately and bomb-detection dogs were on campus before 11 a.m. A second threat followed at Page High School, also in Franklin, triggering another lockdown. Page Middle School was subsequently locked down as well because of its proximity to the high school. By late morning, both Franklin and Page high school buildings had been declared secure, with authorities describing the situation as a reported swatting incident.
How the threat spread across Tennessee
What began in Franklin expanded within hours to include schools across several counties. Rutherford County Schools confirmed that 3 of its high schools were placed on lockdown after receiving phoned-in bomb threats: 1) Smyrna High School, 2) La Vergne High School, and 3) Holloway High School. Metro Nashville Public Schools also reported that Antioch High School was placed on lockdown following similar calls. Clarksville High School entered a lockout as a precautionary measure, though no specific threat was made against that campus.
At each location, officers conducted sweeps to confirm whether any danger was present.
The Franklin Police Department is actively investigating a bomb threat called into Franklin High School. As a result, the school has been place on lockdown. Officers are on scene combing the area. Additional updates will be forthcoming.
— Franklin Police Department (@FranklinTNPD) May 11, 2026
Jackson Central-Merry High School also targeted
In West Tennessee, Jackson Central-Merry High School received a separate threat. The Jackson Police Department was contacted this morning after a 911 caller reported both an act of violence and a bomb threat at the school. Officers responded immediately, established direct communication with the school’s resource officer, and launched an investigation. As of the latest reporting, no violence or injuries had occurred. All students were safe, accounted for, and sheltering in place, and police had found no unauthorized individuals or suspicious items on campus.
Authorities believe the calls are hoaxes
The Tennessee Department of Safety confirmed awareness of multiple threat reports across the state, noting that state troopers and agents from the Office of Homeland Security were deployed at locations where needed. Authorities indicated the calls were believed to be hoaxes at the time of reporting, but emphasized that each was being treated as credible and investigated thoroughly.
The situation reflects a broader national pattern. Kentucky State Police issued a public warning on May 5 describing a wave of similar threats linked to a robocalling campaign, suggesting the Tennessee incidents may be part of a larger coordinated effort originating from automated sources rather than individuals with specific local grievances.
What parents are being asked to do
Police in Franklin asked parents and guardians to remain away from affected campuses while officers completed their work. Keeping the area clear is critical for giving emergency vehicles unobstructed access and for allowing officers to follow safety protocols without disruption. Authorities said further updates would be provided as the investigations progress.