'Nothing about this is a joke': FBI investigating school swatting calls in Philadelphia region

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The FBI is investigating so-called "swatting calls" that targeted elementary and high schools across our region on Monday.

The schools spanned from Philadelphia to Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks and Berks counties.

Investigators say they do not have any information indicating there was a credible threat, but it was a scare for students and parents.

Tricia Steigerwalt, the mother of a Pennsbury High School student, told Action News her daughter sheltered inside a classroom for safety, along with other classmates and teachers.

"She said, 'I walked into school, and was thrown into a classroom and locked the doors, and I think it's real,'" Steigerwalt recalled her daughter saying.

Authorities conducted a sweep, confirmed there was no threat and cleared the school.

Action News spoke exclusively with the FBI, now leading the investigation.

"Nothing about this is a joke. It's a very serious matter, and the misuse of law enforcement resources comes at real cost to us and the communities that we serve," said Special Agent Wayne Jacobs.

Jacobs told Action News his agency has had success prosecuting offenders who engage in swatting.