Police Respond to Reported Threat at Silverton High School, No Danger Found

A police officer briefs concerned community members outside Silverton Middle School regarding the current situation. By Derek Bratton

SILVERTON, Ore. — On Friday, April 11, at 1:26 p.m., a 911 call reporting a potential safety threat inside Silverton High School prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus and heightened security at nearby schools. Silverton Police, supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, responded quickly, conducting thorough searches and confirming no credible threat, allowing students and staff to safely reunite with families.

The call, received by the METCOM dispatch center, triggered a coordinated response between Silverton Police and the Silver Falls School District. The school resource officer on site was joined by on-duty officers and support from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Mt. Angel Police Department, Woodburn Police Department, Stayton Police Department, Hubbard-Donald Police Department, Canby Police Department, Silverton Fire District, and Woodburn Ambulance. Their rapid deployment highlighted a regional commitment to student safety.

By 2:07 p.m., officers completed an initial sweep of the high school, finding no immediate danger. A detailed secondary sweep followed, releasing students classroom by classroom. Students were escorted to Silverton Middle School, where administrators ensured every student was accounted for during reunification with parents. By 3:09 p.m., the high school was fully cleared, confirming no threat was present. One student received medical attention for an unrelated issue during the lockdown, handled promptly by responders.

In a message to families, the Silver Falls School District outlined the response, emphasizing their proactive approach. “Out of an abundance of caution, we placed the high school on lockdown and secured surrounding schools,” the district stated. “After a thorough investigation by Silverton Police and supporting agencies, no actual threat was found.” 

The district highlighted its partnership with law enforcement and use of safety protocols from the I Love You Guys Foundation, which standardizes school emergency responses.

The district urged parents to discuss school safety with their children, stressing the importance of reporting suspicious activity. “Please talk to your child about their role in keeping our schools safe,” the message said, directing families to the Safe Oregon TipLine (844-472-3367) for anonymous tips. Noting the emotional impact, the district announced additional counselors would be available at the high school on Monday, with families encouraged to contact the school for further support.

State Trooper managing traffic during the student relocation from Silverton High School to Silverton Middle School.

To engage the community, the district scheduled a meeting for Monday at 5:00 p.m. in the Silverton High School library. “We invite you to share your thoughts and help us refine our safety protocols,” the district said, aiming to improve preparedness. Silverton Police continue to investigate the 911 call’s origin and urge anyone with information to come forward.

“We are deeply grateful to our law enforcement partners, school staff, and families for their patience and cooperation,” the district said, praising the collaborative effort that ensured a safe outcome.