UPDATE: Hellgate High School Lockdown Lifted

(UPDATE: April 5, 2023, at 3:17 p.m.)

According to the Missoula Police Department, they have multiple individuals detained as persons of interest regarding the threat at Hellgate HS. The MPD is no longer seeking a person of interest as previously stated and there is no longer a threat to the community.

(Seventh report: April 5, 2023, at 2:06 p.m.)

MCPS provided the following update:

Lockdown at Hellgate HS has been lifted & school is being dismissed early. The soft perimeter lock-in has been lifted for all other MCPS schools (except for Seeley-Swan, which did not go into lock-in) & school day will continue as usual. End-of-day dismissal & busing as usual.

(Sixth report: April 5, 2023, at 1:58 p.m.)

Missoula County Public Schools soft lock-in has been lifted, although Hellgate High School remains on lockdown. Activities within the school will remain in place.

(Fifth report: April 5, 2023, at 1:16 p.m.)

The Missoula Police Department is seeking Katherine Moreno, as a person of interest in the investigation related to the threat of an active shooter. Anyone with information on her whereabouts, please contact 911. She is considered to be armed.

(Fourth: April 5, 2023, at 12:36 p.m.)

The Missoula Police Department is investigating the threat of an active shooter at Hellgate High School. After the report was received, a lockdown was issued. Officers and other law enforcement agencies arrived to assist. 

According to MPD, there is currently a large police presence around the High School and they are advising individuals to stay clear of the area to ensure the investigation can be completed without interference. 

The threat was made over social media. The Missoula Police Department is actively investigating and seeking persons of interest. The Missoula Police Department will continue to proceed with an abundance of caution. 

The Missoula Police Department is utilizing its resources and ensuring the safety of the students. There are no injuries. 

(Third Report: April 5, 2023, at 12:04 p.m.)

Hellgate HS remains in lockdown in response to multiple threatening social media posts. Police are working to identify & locate the individual involved. MCPS schools remain on soft perimeter lock-in. More info will be provided when it becomes available.

(Second Report: April 5, 2023, at 11:31 a.m.)

KGVO News reached out to MCPS Communications Director Tyler Christensen and received the following statement: 

"Currently, Hellgate High School is in lockdown on the recommendation of local law enforcement,” began Christensen. “Out of an abundance of caution all other MCPS schools, with the exception of Seeley Lake High School are in a soft perimeter lock-in. That means for these other buildings, the normal school day will continue as usual, except for students will not be let outside for lunch recess or other activities. We will provide more information as soon as it's available."

(First report: April 5, 2023, at 11:12 a.m.)

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 5, 2023, at around 10:48 a.m., Missoula County Public Schools announced that Hellgate High School has been locked down.

MCPS is asking families not to approach the school at this time.

According to MCPS spokeswoman Tyler Christensen, students and staff are safe at this time.

This is a developing story and we will provide updates when they become available.