FBI urges students to be vigilant amid wave of swatting hoaxes

August 27, 2025

The FBI is investigating a series of active shooter hoaxes known as "swatting" that have affected nearly a dozen US universities since students returned to campus. These incidents involve false emergency calls that trigger armed police responses, causing panic among students, faculty, and parents. Villanova University experienced two separate threats within four days, while multiple other institutions including Iowa State, University of Arkansas, and University of Colorado Boulder have also been targeted.

Who is affected

Students, parents, and faculty at nearly a dozen universities
Specific universities mentioned: Villanova University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Iowa State University, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Northern Arizona University, University of South Carolina, Doane University, University of New Hampshire, University of Colorado Boulder, and Kansas State University
Law enforcement agencies responding to these false alarms
Innocent people who may be at risk during police responses

What action is being taken

The FBI is investigating the wave of swatting incidents at universities
The FBI is working with law enforcement partners to address these hoaxes
The FBI is using a database created in 2023 to track hoax threats
Law enforcement agencies are responding to each reported threat with armed officers

Why it matters

Each false report drains law enforcement resources and costs thousands of dollars
The hoaxes put innocent people at risk during police responses
Previous swatting incidents have led to police accidentally shooting or killing victims
The incidents cause panic and trauma among students and faculty, as evidenced by student accounts of fearing for their lives
Swatting is increasing in popularity across the country according to the FBI

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC