Loud Announcement Heard in Butte: ‘Lock Your Doors Immediately’

BUTTE, MT - Did you happen to hear a loud, strange, and scary announcement echo through your neighborhood today?

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You aren't alone. Many people living in the Big Butte area of Butte—that is, north of Montana Tech and west of Centerville near the Big Butte Trail, or the "M" hill—heard loud and invasive noises and announcements coming from the area early to midday Tuesday. Though many might have picked up on what was going on, many took to Facebook and other social networking sites to voice their concerns for what the noises and announcements could possibly be signaling.

What's strange is not only what the announcements were saying, but how loud they were—and how far they were heard because of it. The most common announcement heard was "Lock your Doors immediately," which is understandably terrifying to hear in the middle of a Tuesday morning. Also, reports of heightened police activity in the same area came through with the announcement reports, so only the worst could be assumed.

It turns out, however, that the best-case scenario is also the truth: authorities at Kennedy Elementary School, located at the base of the "M" hill on Emmett Ave, were conducting an active shooter training course for fellow officers in the county. These training exercises are conducted to help better prepare authorities and the public for a worst-case scenario: an active shooter at a school or public place in Butte.

Luckily, for now, we have nothing to worry about and we can ignore the announcements for the day. Just always remember to be prepared.