Spate of hoax calls about active shooters stir fear at college campuses around the US – AP News

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple colleges have endured active shooter hoax calls.
• The false reports emerged just as classes resumed, intensifying anxiety.
• Fiery concerns over campus security have grown due to these deceptive calls.
• K-State’s Manhattan campus was specifically subject to a swatting incident.
• UW-Madison police rapidly debunked a false shooter alert, highlighting prompt law enforcement action.

Introduction

A new wave of hoax calls claiming active shooters on college campuses has ignited widespread concern among students, faculty, and law enforcement officials as the academic year begins. According to various news outlets—including AP News, CNN, NBC News, KCTV, and Channel 3000—these calls have disrupted daily operations and raised questions about campus preparedness.

Nationwide Reports

Colleges around the country have been targeted by these phony emergency calls. “A wave of active shooter hoaxes at universities brings panic and turmoil to the start of the school year,” reported one source. These troubling occurrences, also referred to as swatting incidents, are designed to provoke immediate reaction from both the community and law enforcement, often overwhelming emergency services.

Campus Responses

K-State’s Manhattan campus was singled out by what appeared to be a swatting attack. Although the call turned out to be false, the fear and concern sparked by the threat were very real. Similarly, UW-Madison police were praised for their swift response in debunking another false shooter alert. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by campus safety officials in quickly determining the legitimacy of each threat.

Impact on Students and Faculty

Starting a new semester is typically a time filled with excitement and optimism. Yet, suspicion and anxiety now accompany many students and instructors as they try to settle into their routines. While no injuries or fatalities have been reported from these hoaxes, the psychological impact is significant, leaving many wondering about the motivations behind such calls.

Conclusion

With multiple universities coping with these hoax reports, it is clear that campus security protocols—and the ability to parse real threats from fake ones—have never been more critical. Although law enforcement has been proactive in verifying the falsehood of these alarms, the incidents serve as a reminder of the potential for disruption and panic in the digital era. As the academic year progresses, universities remain on high alert, determined to safeguard their communities against deceptive threats.