Swatting Incidents on American College Campuses: Escalating Security Concerns
Multiple universities in the U.S., including the University of Southern California, Villanova University, Iowa State University, and the University of Tennessee, have been targeted by coordinated swatting incidents in recent weeks. False reports of active shooters on campus prompted large-scale law enforcement responses, lockdowns, and panic among students and faculty. While no real threats were identified, the hoaxes strained emergency resources, heightened fear across campuses, and highlighted vulnerabilities in campus security systems. In addition, these incidents occurred at the same time as a tragedy at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, where two people were killed and 17 injured, underscoring the very real and ongoing danger posed by mass shootings and the importance of recognizing and responding to actual threats.
Broader Implication for Security and Campus Operations
The group “Purgatory,” is allegedly behind these swatting incidents through operations via Telegram. The group profits from the panic they spread as they offer users to their platform a menu of services, including hoax threats to schools for $20. This highlights the growing challenge of managing misinformation and rapid-response security needs in real time. Institutions may increase patrols, harden security protocols, and expand coordination with local police, all of which come with financial and operational costs.
Swatting is false emergency reporting intended to provoke a law enforcement response. The caller typically places a 911 call using a spoofed phone number, hiding the caller’s real location and making it appear the emergency call is coming from the victim’s phone.
Emergency services personnel have been tricked by calls placed from cities hundreds of miles away from the location of the purported call.
Swatting victims come from all social classes and political parties–many celebrities and high profile politicians have been the victims of swatting.
Beyond physical disruptions, these incidents also erode trust in emergency alert systems. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are likely to further intensify these hoaxes which could desensitize students and faculty to future alerts, creating dangerous delays in response to actual threats.
The rapid spread of unverified information on platforms such as X (Twitter), TikTok, and Snapchat can further amplify chaos, contributing to misinformation-driven panic.
Future Risk Environment
Looking ahead, swatting incidents will remain a serious concern for educational institutions because of their high visibility and the disruption caused by false reports. Along with universities, it is expected other education institutions are likely to form stronger partnerships with federal agencies such as the FBI, not only to track potential coordinated campaigns but also to improve intelligence sharing, threat assessment, and rapid response protocols.
By collaborating with federal authorities, education institutions can better identify patterns, anticipate emerging threats, and implement preventative measures, ranging from enhanced cybersecurity monitoring to crisis communication strategies, which will protect students, faculty, and campus infrastructure.
These partnerships may also facilitate training programs for campus security personnel, ensuring law enforcement and campus staff are aligned in their response to both real and hoax emergencies.
Lawmakers at state and federal levels are weighing harsher penalties for swatting. On the state level, lawmakers in Michigan proposed Senate Bills 202 and 203, which would classify swatting as a felony. Offenders could face up to four years in prison and/or a $2,000 fine, regardless of whether a response occurred. At the federal level, there is a growing push for harsher consequences, such as the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2024, which would impose up to 20 years in prison if someone is seriously harmed, and life in prison if someone is killed as a result of swatting.
How Concentric Can Help
We advise staying vigilant, keeping up to date on local news, university alerts, and official advisories. While daily operations at most institutions remain largely unaffected, the risk of sudden swatting incidents or other localized security disruptions means proactive planning and heightened situational awareness are essential. Concentric’s team of intelligence analysts is closely monitoring these developments and is ready to assist. Our services are designed to support both your business and personal safety needs, including:
Travel Risk Assessments and Alerting: Concentric offers customized reports offering real-time, itinerary-focused evaluations of changing geopolitical, security, and environmental conditions. We also offer tailored, real-time intelligence based on travelers’ live locations and planned movements.
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Evacuation & Contingency Planning: Concentric’s team of intelligence and security professionals offer logistical support for crisis management, including detailed evacuation route mapping, identification of secure shelters, and localized assistance during emergencies.
Through Concentric’s advanced geopolitical intelligence strategies, businesses can effectively navigate travel risks, safeguard their personnel, and ensure operational continuity across global environments. For more information or to arrange a consultation to enhance your organization’s travel security capabilities, please contact our Global Intelligence team today.