A nationwide wave of swatting incidents—false active shooter reports—has triggered chaos across at least a dozen U.S. college campuses, prompting an FBI investigation and raising urgent safety concerns.
Federal authorities have confirmed a sharp rise in coordinated hoax calls faked as active shooter threats. These incidents forced lockdowns and massive emergency responses at institutions such as Villanova University, University of Arkansas, University of Colorado Boulder, Iowa State, and others. Many calls included background audio of gunfire to enhance realism.
The FBI is now leading an investigation into these swatting incidents and is partnering with local law enforcement to trace the callers and patterns. Retired FBI Special Agent Jason Pack emphasized that “every call has to be treated as real. There is no other option,” underscoring how seriously even suspected hoaxes are taken.
A group identifying itself as “Purgatory”, connected to an extremist network known as The Com, is alleged to be behind the hoaxes. Reports suggest coordinated campaigns using voice-masking techniques, online anonymity, and payment-for-service models via Telegram. The group claims to have streamed some events live and continues to operate.
Schools and officials warn of lasting trauma from these incidents. Many students reacted with deeply ingrained responses—running, hiding, or barricading—accompanied by lingering anxiety well after the events ended.
