Uptick in school lockdowns reported in the area following incident at Mount Horeb Middle School

MADISON, Wis. -- Following the killing of an armed student outside Mount Horeb Middle School last Wednesday, southern Wisconsin has seen an uptick in school lockdowns.

The Platteville School District, the New Glarus School District and the School District of Janesville are just a few of those who have enacted lockdowns within the week, marking a notable increase in school violence threats.

“I think what you’re seeing is the faculty at the schools, the public in general, being more on high alert and more willing to report suspicious activity or potential threats," said law enforcement expert Brian Landers.

Landers says while school lockdowns might imply increased levels of danger, the reality is likely just a more safety-conscious community.

“When a place like Mount Horeb is the location of an incident, I think that reminds a lot of other schools, parents, teachers, the public in general that those tragic events can happen anywhere," Landers said. "And that especially holds true for schools and rural, smaller communities."

He says that when school violence is at top of mind, it isn't surprising that local law enforcement is receiving more hypervigilant 9-1-1 calls.

The public, he adds, shouldn't shy away from reporting suspicious behavior just because a threat could be illegitimate.

“If you see something, say something. Don’t ever think, you know, to chalk it up to, well my mind is just racing. I’ve always told everybody, trust your instincts.”

Report a tip to Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin here .

Report suspicious activity to the Department of Homeland Security here .

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