NEEDHAM — Authorities responded to a reported threat at a Needham place of worship Sunday, which they now believe was a hoax.
The Needham Police Department said their dispatch center received a call on Nov. 19 about a potential threat at a local religious facility.
In response to the call, which came in six hours ago, police immediately coordinated with state and federal agencies.
The Needham Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad were dispatched to the scene as a precautionary measure.
After a thorough examination, officials determined that the building was safe and the call was a false alarm, known as a swatting call.
While the premises have been cleared, the investigation into the origin of the call is ongoing.
The police have also announced that security checks at all places of worship in the area will be heightened for an indefinite period to ensure the community’s safety.
