Education Secretary Linda McMahon posted on X Friday that the Trump administration is “closely monitoring” swatting incidents that have occurred on campuses across the country at the start of the school year.
“Amidst the heaviness of the past few days, college campuses across the country have been dealing with a disturbing wave of ‘swatting’ incidents – deliberate, false reports of emergencies intended to spread fear and disrupt campus life,” McMahon wrote.
“These threats are not just disruptive – they are dangerous. Each one forces students, faculty, and law enforcement into emergency response mode, diverting critical resources and putting lives at risk, all for a malicious hoax,” she added.
The statement comes after several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were threatened in what the FBI now believes to have been a hoax perpetrated after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Over a dozen campuses across the country have dealt with these hoax calls that shut down campuses and bring tons of police to the university.
“The Department is closely monitoring these incidents and is in direct contact with campus leaders to offer immediate support. These acts must not go unanswered. We are working with federal and state partners to ensure those responsible are swiftly identified and held fully accountable,” McMahon said.
Experts say it is difficult to catch these fake callers due to how easy it can be to make an anonymous phone call, as well as some of these individuals living outside the country.
