(12-11-23) The FBI is aware of the numerous hoax incidents wherein a bomb threat at a school is made. The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately.

 

Several news organizations have requested follow-up interviews, and while we would like to accommodate everyone, at this time, we have nothing additional to add. With that said, we thought some general information and resources as it relates to swatting might be useful.      

 

What is swatting: 

Swatting is a criminal activity by an individual (or group) who knowingly provides false information about a possible threat to life by making a call to any emergency service agency to elicit an emergency response to an ongoing critical incident. Incidents typically produce the deployment of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units, bomb squads, and other police units, as well as the evacuations of schools, businesses and residences.

 

The individuals who engage in this activity use technology to make it appear that the emergency call is coming from the victim’s phone. Sometimes swatting is done for revenge, sometimes as a prank. It is a serious crime that has potentially dangerous consequences. 

 

Traditionally, law enforcement has seen swatters directing their actions toward individuals and residences. Increasingly, the FBI sees swatters targeting public places such as airports, schools, and businesses.

 

Why is it a problem: 

The FBI takes swatting very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk.  Swatting is expensive. It can cost thousands of dollars every time a SWAT team is called to respond.

 

What can people do if they or their business receives a threat call:

If you receive a swatting threat or information that an individual is planning to engage in swatting, then report it to local law enforcement immediately.

 

To help mitigate swatting attacks to your business, the FBI recommends having a procedure in place. The best policy that the private sector can practice when it comes to swatting is to be aware of the issue and to help provide as much information to law enforcement as possible.