BLYTHEWOOD, SC (WACH) -- A social media challenge prompted lockdowns and evacuations at 18 elementary, middle, and high schools across South Carolina after unknown callers claimed there was an active shooter on school grounds.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department responded to Blythewood High School on Oct. 5 with roughly 150 law enforcement officials, and quickly determined there was no shooter and the call was a hoax started through a TikTok challenge.

Authorities throughout the region also learned all the reported shootings at those schools were made by phony callers.

"Even though it was fake, the emotions are real. The fear that they felt were real," said Richland County Sheriff, Leon Lott.

Lott said no guns were found and no one was injured, "We were in control of the school. Searching the school. Making sure that there was not anyone with a gun there."

Once deputies secured the school, students were moved over to the football stadium where they waited for their parents to pick them up.

Richland County School District Two Superintendent, Baron Davis said he was heartbroken, but praised the rapid response, and his staff who ensured students followed the proper protocol during Wednesday's incident.

"To see this happen simultaneously across our state and probably other parts of the country because of a TikTok challenge -- we have to take some action. We have to stop talking about this. We need some sort of laws or legislation or something in place that will prevent, or there are some consequences behind actions like this," said Davis.

In a statement, Columbia mayor, Daniel Rickenmann said he was made aware of the threats and noted, "It is believed these are part of a larger hoax. If confirmed, Columbia will support prosecuting this person to the fullest extent of the law.”

Governor Henry McMaster said he was in contact with law enforcement and will keep talking with them as they investigate the threats.

"I am confident from my conversation that the state and federal law enforcement are all over this," said McMaster.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the credibility of the threats and is asking anyone with information to call law enforcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a statement stating they were aware of the numerous 'swatting incidents' in the state and noted similar incidents have recently happened across the country.

Swatting simply means the act of making a prank call, just as the one from Wednesday, to try and bring as much law enforcement to one designated area.

FBI officials will be working with local, state, and federal law enforcement to investigate the threats.