10/19/2026
False Active Shooter Alert Prompts Law Enforcement Response at Moore Montessori School
Southern Pines, NC — At approximately 12:28 p.m. on October 19, 2026, the Southern Pines Police Department and Southern Pines Fire Department responded to Moore Montessori School, located at 255 S. May Street in Southern Pines, following reports of an active shooter at the school. The initial alert was inadvertently activated by a school staff member through the school’s mobile application. The notification was subsequently received by additional school staff members, resulting in multiple calls to the Southern Pines Police Department reporting a potential active shooter situation. School staff immediately took appropriate precautionary measures by placing the school into lockdown. Out of an abundance of caution, officers with the Southern Pines Police Department responded to the campus and conducted a thorough search of the school to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
No threat was identified, and there was no active shooter or active threat present on the school campus. The incident was determined to be a false alarm. Following the response, Southern Pines Police Department personnel conducted a debrief with the staff member who inadvertently initiated the notification, as well as individuals who contacted the Police Department to report the alert. These discussions were conducted to ensure the circumstances surrounding the notification were fully understood and to review the actions taken by everyone involved.
Due to the significant law enforcement presence at the school, including numerous marked and unmarked police vehicles, the Southern Pines Police Department believes it is important to provide accurate information to the community and prevent rumors or misinformation regarding the incident. Although this incident was determined to be a false alarm, it provides an opportunity for the Southern Pines Police Department and Moore Montessori School staff to participate in a collaborative after-action review. The purpose of this review will be to evaluate the response, identify any lessons learned, and ensure that established safety procedures continue to provide the highest level of protection for students and staff.
The Southern Pines Police Department appreciates the cooperation of Moore Montessori School staff and the community and remains committed to the safety and security of Southern Pines schools, students, staff, and residents.
