Archive · 3 Sep 2025
College Campuses Targeted by Active Shooter Hoax Calls
Imagine someone is calling the police, pretending there's a shooter on campus, even though there isn't.
These are called hoaxes, and they're happening at many colleges.
The calls cause a lot of fear, and the police have to respond as if it's real, wasting time and resources.
It's hard to stop these hoaxes because the callers hide their identities using tricky tech.
Someone found making these calls could face serious jail time and fines.
Authorities are working to catch these hoaxers to make campuses safe.
Numerous universities are experiencing active shooter hoaxes as students return for the fall semester.
These hoaxes, known as swatting calls, prompt active shooter protocols and cause fear.
Multiple campuses, including Villanova and University of Tennessee, have been targeted.
The origins of the hoaxes are unclear, though some are linked to online groups.
Perpetrators may face federal charges including imprisonment and fines.
- Who
- Universities, students, law enforcement, and hoax callers.
- What
- A rise in active shooter hoaxes targeting college campuses.
- When
- Since the start of the fall semester.
- Where
- College campuses across the United States.
- Why
- Unknown, but some groups claim responsibility.
- Type of Incident
- Active shooter hoaxes/swatting calls
- Target
- College campuses
- Origin
- Unclear, some traced to online groups
- Methods
- Fake calls with threats, sometimes with gunshots in the background
- Consequences
- Campus lockdowns, police response, psychological impact
- Legal Penalties
- Up to 5-20 years in prison and substantial fines