A health clinic in western Wisconsin was temporarily locked down on Thursday afternoon following a threatening phone call. The Barron County Sheriff’s Department responded to what they described as an “active situation” at Marshfield Medical Center in Rice Lake around 3 PM.
Authorities later classified the incident as a swatting event, similar to reports from other areas in the state. The Rice Lake clinic is located about two hours northeast of the Twin Cities and approximately 50 miles north of Eau Claire. It offers both inpatient and outpatient services.
A representative from the health system stated that the police were contacted immediately after receiving the threat, prompting the lockdown. The clinic remained closed for the rest of Thursday but has since resumed normal operations.
“The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority at Marshfield Medical Center-Rice Lake,” the health system assured.
Further updates on the situation are being gathered.
