LOCKDOWN

Leiker said the district implemented an enhanced communication strategy on March 1 when more swatting incidents happened in Boulder, Brighton and Aspen.

Although Littleton schools were not targeted, the district sent out texts and emails and posted on their website to keep families informed.

“I appreciated them acknowledging the situation quickly,” Yongue said about the March 1 communications. “It was very soon after news reports of the other calls being made again that we received the message from (the district).”

Other parents said they were pleased by how the district handled communications during the lockdown and did not see a need for change.

“It’s di cult because as a parent, I really would like to know what’s also be able to o er beer and wine tastings. e Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, which represents small liquor retailers, opposed the measure and warns that its members could be crushed by the change. e measure also didn’t change any other existing alcohol-sales rules, such as the prohibition of sales between midnight and 8 a.m., and no alcohol sales to anyone under 21. Stores that plan to immediately add wine at all of their Colorado locations include Trader Joe’s, King Soopers and Safeway. going on right away, right?” Siddall said. “But I have learned with all the issues we have been having at all di erent schools that it takes a lot of time to put the communication out… You have to trust our principal, you have to trust our resource o cer and the police — even when, yes, of course, we want to know what’s going on.”

“While many liquor stores will adapt and outsell grocery stores because of their selection, we foresee approximately a third of the 1,600 independent liquor stores across the state are in danger of losing their business,” said Chris Fine, executive director of the organization.

Impact on students

When asked if he was afraid when the lockdown began, Osso said he was more confused than anything.

“For the most part, I was just confused about like, what’s happening?” he said. “I’ve lived my whole life in Littleton, and nothing really happens that’s too big. So I was just confused about what could happen.”

Laura Mehew, a Littleton High School mother, said she is concerned about the impact of swatting on students, especially considering how many are being victimized by these incidents.

“ ese kids have been exposed to so much, they’re almost becoming stores aren’t allowed to stock their stores with wine until March 1, a spokesperson said. desensitized to it a little bit, which is, in my opinion, a defense mechanism,” she said. “It’s in the hundreds, I would say the thousands of students who are being impacted by (swatting)… It causes trauma.”

Two other alcohol-related ballot measures, Propositions 124 and 126, failed on the November ballot.

Littleton High School alone has approximately 1,300 students, so thousands of Colorado students have been victims of swatting in recent weeks.

Mehew is particularly concerned because her family was involved in an active shooter situation a few years ago. e suspect in that situation ended up being unarmed, making her familiar with the trauma that threat situations can cause, even if they do not end up causing physical harm.

Yongue said swatting is “frustrating” and “disgusting.”

“(Kids) have this true threat that they deal with, and we as parents deal with every day that we send our kids to school,” she said. “To have somebody exploit that is — I don’t understand how you get to a state of mind where you think, ‘ is is what a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

I’m going to do today.’ And it’s even more frustrating to know that they will most likely never be caught.” e Littleton Police Department said they are working with local partners and the FBI as investigations into the incident move forward.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, those who post or send false threats can receive up to ve years in federal prison, or they can face state or local charges. In Colorado, false reporting of an emergency is a class 1 misdemeanor, but can be raised to a felony if injury occurs.

Mehew said she is grateful for those who work to keep students safe when situations like this occur.

“Our school people are put on the frontlines of so many issues that kids are facing right now,” she said. “Education and trying to educate them is just one part of it. ey’re having to help these kids through so much more. So I’m very appreciative of the school and of the Littleton Police Department.”