The return to campus turned chaotic this week for students across the United States after multiple fake active shooter calls targeted universities. Villanova University in Pennsylvania, the University of Arkansas, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the University of Iowa, and the University of South Carolina all faced false alerts, prompting lockdowns, police sweeps, and widespread panic. Law enforcement later confirmed that no shooters or firearms were found on any campus.
Five Campuses Disrupted by Fake Active Shooter Alerts
1. Villanova University (Pennsylvania)
During new student orientation and an outdoor Mass on August 21, Villanova University went into lockdown after a 911 call reported a shooter at the law school building. Alerts instructed students to “Move to a secure location. Lock/barricade doors.” No injuries or weapons were found.
Just days later, a second false report targeted the Austin Hall dormitory, prompting another lockdown before being swiftly declared a hoax by Radnor Township Police.
2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC, Tennessee)
On the morning of August 21, UTC was locked down after a 911 call reported an active shooter in the University Centre or Library. Students followed “Run. Hide. Fight.” procedures while city and campus police responded. Authorities confirmed after an hour that no threat existed, and no injuries were reported.
3. University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)
Students at the University of Arkansas received a RazALERT on August 25 after reports of an active shooter at Mullins Library. Instructions included “Avoid. Deny. Defend.” Law enforcement secured the area, confirming by 1:30 p.m. that no shooting occurred, no injuries were reported, and no crime scene was found.
4. University of Iowa/Iowa State University (Ames)
On the first day back to classes, a report of a potential armed person on Iowa State campus triggered a rapid response. Police quickly determined it was a false swatting call. Another nearby incident occurred at a library, but no campus alert was issued due to the swift investigation.
5. University of South Carolina (Columbia)
On Sunday evening, the University of South Carolina went into lockdown after an unconfirmed active shooter report near Thomas Cooper Library. Authorities later announced an all-clear; no shooter or shots were confirmed. Two people sustained minor injuries during evacuation, and confusion arose when a Republican representative mistakenly posted a photo of a student with an umbrella, falsely identified as the shooter.
Growing Pattern of Swatting Hoaxes
Experts say these incidents are part of a growing trend of swatting, where false reports are designed to trigger armed police responses and disrupt daily life.
“Swatting may be conducted to harass, intimidate, or retaliate against intended targets,” the FBI explains, warning that hoaxes can escalate into real danger.
Recent data highlights the trend:
- The Educator’s School Safety Network reported 446 false active shooter incidents in US schools during 2022–2023, accounting for 63.8% of all violent incidents.
- Between January 2023 and June 2024, more than 800 swatting incidents were recorded at K–12 schools, according to the K-12 School Shootings Database.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if the recent university incidents are connected, but investigations are ongoing.
“It is critical to understand that these events, while ultimately determined to be false, necessitate an immediate, intensive response,” the Educator’s School Safety Network said. The FBI has urged students and staff to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, emphasizing that hoax calls will be treated as serious crimes.
