Fear and anxiety gripped another Cobourg school on Tuesday after a reported active shooter threat—later determined to be false—triggered a massive emergency response and left students, parents, and staff shaken.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on April 14, 2026, C.R. Gummow Public School received what police describe as a “swatting” call reporting a active shooter. Within minutes, numerous Cobourg Police officers converged on the scene, placing the school into a full lockdown as they began clearing classrooms and hallways.
The response was swift and highly visible.
Numerous police vehicles at the front of the school, while members of the Cobourg Fire Department and Northumberland County Paramedics staged nearby at Cottesmore Street and University Avenue East, ready to respond if needed.
Inside the school, the atmosphere quickly turned tense.
Students and staff followed lockdown procedures as officers—some armed with tactical gear—moved methodically through the building. In several classrooms, the emotional toll was evident, with frightened children heard crying as the situation unfolded in real time.
Parents, alerted through school board notifications and social media, began arriving in the area seeking information and reassurance, adding to the already heightened sense of urgency.
After conducting a thorough search, police determined there was no credible threat inside the school. The lockdown was lifted shortly after 12 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after the initial call.
In a statement released shortly afterward, Cobourg Police confirmed, “There are no immediate threats to the school at this time. No physical injuries have been reported, and no weapons have been located.”
Investigators say early indications suggest the call originated from an overseas phone number, a common tactic in swatting incidents designed to make tracing more difficult.
Tuesday’s incident comes less than 24 hours after a similar incident at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School.
On Monday morning, a bomb threat phoned into the school prompted a hold-and-secure order—similar to a lockdown—before students and staff were eventually evacuated to a nearby community centre as police conducted a search. That threat also proved to be unfounded.
The back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about the impact on students, families, and emergency services.
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland, who has four children attending C.R. Gummow Public School, said he rushed to the scene as soon as he learned of the threat.
“This isn’t funny in any way, shape or form,” said Cleveland. “As a father of four under 10, all of whom attend this school, I feel what the parents are feeling.”
Standing among anxious parents outside the school perimeter, Cleveland said the emotional toll of such incidents cannot be understated.
“You’re thinking the worst when you get that kind of message,” he said. “Your mind goes to places no parent should have to go during a regular school day.”
While commending the rapid response by emergency services, Cleveland made it clear that repeated incidents of this nature are unacceptable.
“Something’s got to give. This can’t keep happening,” he said. “We, as a community, should not have to tolerate this kind of disruption. We deserve a community where we can send our kids to school safely and know they will return home safe—this community demands it.”
Swatting, the act of making false emergency calls to trigger a large police response, is a criminal offence that carries serious consequences. Beyond the potential legal penalties, officials stress that such actions place lives at risk by diverting critical police and emergency resources away from real emergencies.
Incidents involving schools are particularly troubling, as they create fear among young students and can have lasting psychological effects.
Police have not indicated whether the two incidents are directly linked, but the timing—occurring within hours of each other—has intensified concern among residents.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
For many in Cobourg, the hope now is that those responsible are identified quickly—and that an alarming two days for the community marks the end, not the beginning, of a troubling trend.
Cobourg Police Press Release Issued April 14, 2026
On Scene
Apr 13, 2026
COBOURG (April 13, 2026 – 10:22 am) – Members of the Cobourg Police Service are currently on scene at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School in Cobourg, conducting an active investigation following a report of threats.
As part of the investigation, a search of the building was conducted. Police have determined there are no immediate threats to the school at this time. No physical injuries have been reported.
The investigation is ongoing, and the school will remain in lockdown until further notice. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Cobourg Police Press Released Issued April 14, 2026
Swatting Incident
Apr 14, 2026
COBOURG (April 14, 2026, 12:00 p.m.) – Officers with the Cobourg Police Service are on scene at C.R. Gummow Public School after responding to a report of a threat involving a weapon. The school has been cleared.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., police received a report of a threat with a weapon at C.R. Gummow Public School in Cobourg. Officers responded immediately, and the school remained in lockdown as police conducted the investigation.
Police have determined there are no immediate threats to the school at this time. No physical injuries have been reported, and no weapons have been located. Lockdown has been lifted.
Police believe this is another instance of swatting linked to yesterday’s incident. Police have established that the incident is linked to an overseas phone number. CPS takes all reports of threats or potential dangers to community safety seriously and responds accordingly to ensure everyone’s safety.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue efforts to identify the caller. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
