A threat against the Jewish Congregation of Venice led to a heavy police presence earlier today. Law enforcement quickly surrounded the area, but investigators later determined the calls were a hoax.

The incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday when the congregation received a phone call threatening to "kill everyone." Police, fire, and sheriff's deputies rushed to the scene to secure the area.

"They were just looking and asked if I had heard any shots or anything, and I said no," said Bill Rizzo, a neighbor from Auburn Acres. "Last week, with the holidays, there were more folks there, but it's a quiet neighborhood. This is very unusual."

By 1:30 p.m., investigators determined the call was a hoax known as "swatting." This involves making false emergency reports to trigger a large police response.

Former Sarasota Deputy Chief of Police Stephen Moyer, who lives nearby, expressed confidence in the local officers' response.

"I live here. I have faith in the police command staff and the officers that they will do the right thing," said Moyer.

WINK News also received a statement from the Anti-Defamation League of Florida.

"We are continuing to monitor apparent swatting incidents at multiple Jewish institutions in the state," the statement said. "ADL Florida and our Center on Extremism are in close communication with other Jewish community organizations and law enforcement related to the reported threats. We urge any synagogue or Jewish institution affected to alert their local law enforcement agencies immediately."

The Venice police are still trying to track down the person who made the call. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Venice police.