A disturbing wave of active shooter hoaxes has caused widespread panic, lockdowns, and emergency responses at universities across the United States, just as students returned for the fall semester.
In recent days, at least seven universities, including Villanova University, University of South Carolina, and University of Arkansas, have received false reports of active shooters on campus. The hoaxes, which authorities believe are coordinated acts of “swatting,” triggered immediate lockdown procedures, police deployments, and emergency alerts urging students to shelter in place.
At Villanova University, a report of a shooter in the law school led to frantic evacuations during freshman orientation. Just hours later, a similar false alarm hit the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
On August 25, the University of Arkansas issued a campus-wide alert after receiving a report of a shooter at its library. Classes were canceled, and the building was evacuated—again, no threat was found. Similar incidents occurred at Iowa State University, University of New Hampshire, and other institutions.
Although no physical harm was reported from gunfire, several students suffered minor injuries while fleeing buildings, and many were left emotionally shaken.
Experts warn these hoaxes not only disrupt campus life but also stretch emergency resources thin and create lasting trauma. The FBI and other federal agencies have launched investigations into the calls, many of which were made using encrypted or untraceable technology.
University officials nationwide are urging students and staff to take every alert seriously, while also calling for stronger penalties for those behind these hoaxes.
“This isn’t a joke—this is terrorizing communities,” said Villanova President Rev. Peter M. Donohue in a statement. “We will not tolerate it.”
