Cops Swarm to Congresswoman Clark's Home after False Report

By JOE LIPOVICH (Patch Staff) - February 1, 2016 4:27 pm ET

Melrose Police responded Sunday night to a false shooting alarm at the residence of Congresswoman Katherine Clark.

The hoax was called in by a computer-generated phone recording.

Melrose Police announced Monday they had responded to a false report on Prospect Street after an unknown caller stated that there were “shots fired” and an “active shooter” at the location. Clark took to Facebook to ensure everyone that she and her family were safe.

“Last night, after I sent my youngest two sons to bed, someone sent an anonymous call to the Melrose Police Department reporting an active shooter at my home, with the intent of sending a SWAT team to my house,” Congresswoman Clark wrote.”Thankfully, I was aware that this might happen, and had made the Melrose Police Department aware of it too. I’m grateful for the professional response of the Melrose Police Department, and that no one was hurt. I hope that this incident didn’t prevent someone with a real emergency from receiving help.”

Melrose Police say officers quickly determined that there was no danger or threat at the residence.

“It appears that someone was trying to elicit a police response by making a false report,” Chief Lyle said. “We take incidents like this very seriously, and will conduct a thorough investigation.”

The incident is currently under investigation by the Melrose Police. Clark, who has championed anti-‘swatting’ legislation in the past, says she will continue to fight against these incidents.

“If whoever decided to call in this hoax thought it would deter me from my work against swatting and other online threats and harassment, they are sorely mistaken,” Congresswoman Clark wrote.”No one should have to live in fear of this type of threat, and I will continue to stand up against this criminal behavior.”

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