Spoof Call Triggers Lockdown At Texas Middle School

On the morning of January 30, 2026, the quiet routine at Canyon Middle School in New Braunfels, Texas, was upended by a sudden and alarming threat. At approximately 9:15 a.m., the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) received a report of a gun on campus, setting off a chain of events that would draw in multiple law enforcement agencies, disrupt the school day, and put parents, students, and staff on edge for hours.

According to the NBPD, the call that sparked the lockdown originated from Philadelphia and was later determined to be a spoof—an intentional fake designed to provoke chaos. But at the time, no one knew that. The school, located on FM 1101, was immediately placed on lockdown. Students and staff followed established procedures, sheltering in locked classrooms while law enforcement officers from across the region mobilized.

Within minutes, a large contingent of responders converged on the campus. The New Braunfels Police Department, New Braunfels Fire Department, Comal County Sheriff’s Office, New Braunfels Fire Marshal’s Office, Comal County Constables, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and even agents from the San Antonio FBI office were all on scene. The NBPD and Fire Department established a unified command, coordinating their efforts to systematically clear the school and ensure everyone’s safety.

“The New Braunfels Police Department takes all threats very seriously, particularly those that involve schools,” said Police Chief Osbaldo Flores in a statement provided to local media. “A large police response was initiated to ensure the safety of our children and residents, and we’d like to thank the numerous other agencies that assisted in the response to Canyon Middle School, as well as the entire New Braunfels community, for their patience and understanding as officers worked to carefully and thoroughly ensure the safety of children and school staff.”

For nearly three hours, the school remained on lockdown. Law enforcement officials methodically searched the premises, checking classrooms and common areas, and verifying that every student and staff member was accounted for. Thankfully, there were no reports of gunshots, violence, or injuries throughout the ordeal. As the morning wore on, updates from Comal Independent School District (Comal ISD) and law enforcement began to reassure anxious parents and guardians that students were safe and the situation was under control.

At 12:05 p.m., the all-clear was given. The threat had been deemed not credible, and the lockdown was lifted. The relief was palpable, but the process of reuniting students with their families was just beginning. Comal ISD worked closely with law enforcement to facilitate an orderly reunification at the school’s entrance. Parents and guardians were required to present a photo ID and be listed in the school’s Skyward system as eligible to pick up their children. School officials emphasized that only authorized individuals would be allowed to collect students, a precaution designed to maintain security and accountability during a stressful time.

“After arriving on campus, follow directions from law enforcement and school administrators for an orderly reunification,” school officials advised in a message to families. For students who were not picked up, the day returned to its regular schedule, with boxed lunches provided and classes resuming as normal.

Throughout the incident, communication was key. Both Comal ISD and the NBPD provided frequent updates via social media and press releases, assuring the public that all available resources were being used to protect the school community. “There are no reports of injuries or violence at this time. Officers are actively working the scene. Additional updates will be provided. Please avoid the area while officers remain on scene,” read one early statement from the NBPD.

While the outcome was ultimately a relief, the incident highlighted both the vulnerability of schools to hoax threats and the readiness of local and regional agencies to respond. The coordinated effort between city police, fire, county sheriff, state troopers, and federal agents was a testament to the seriousness with which such threats are treated, regardless of their credibility. As Chief Flores noted, “All threats, especially those involving schools, are taken very seriously.”

Now, with the immediate crisis resolved, attention has shifted to the investigation. Law enforcement officials are working to identify the source of the spoof call from Philadelphia that triggered the lockdown. The NBPD has indicated that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, and that anyone found responsible could face serious consequences. The phenomenon of swatting—making false reports to elicit a large police response—has grown in recent years, often targeting schools, businesses, and even private homes. Authorities hope that a swift and thorough investigation will deter future incidents and reassure the community that such pranks will not be tolerated.

For parents, students, and staff at Canyon Middle School, the day was a sobering reminder of the world children now inhabit—a world where drills, lockdowns, and reunification protocols are part of the educational landscape. But it was also a day that showcased the strength and resilience of the New Braunfels community. From teachers calmly implementing lockdown procedures, to law enforcement officers working methodically and professionally, to parents waiting anxiously but patiently for news, everyone played a part in navigating the ordeal.

“We’d like to thank the numerous other agencies that assisted in the response to Canyon Middle School, as well as the entire New Braunfels community, for their patience and understanding as officers worked to carefully and thoroughly ensure the safety of children and school staff,” Chief Flores reiterated. The sentiment was echoed by school officials and parents alike, many of whom expressed gratitude that the incident ended without tragedy.

As investigators continue their work, the hope is that lessons learned from this incident will further strengthen emergency preparedness and collaboration between schools and law enforcement. For now, life at Canyon Middle School has returned to normal, but the memory of January 30, 2026, will linger—a day when a community was tested and, through calm, coordination, and communication, pulled through safely.