Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement in response to false reports of active shooters at schools in Vermont:

“These calls were a hoax—an act of terrorism designed to create chaos and stoke fear that can be exploited. 

“These events are unnerving for everyone – students, teachers, parents and Vermonters. We can use this energy to come together because unity is the most powerful way to ensure terrorists do not achieve their goals.

“I want to thank the Vermont State Police, local law enforcement and emergency response offices across the state for acting quickly and professionally based on the initial calls. 

“My office, the Agency of Education, Vermont State Police, Vermont Intelligence Center and local partners will continue to monitor this situation closely, and in the days ahead, after all the facts are gathered, we will debrief on this incident to strengthen our response.”